Streak ends at Wrigley, players coping with straining injuries

The superfluous 14-game win streak at home is over. Baltimore became the second team this season to take a series against the Cubs at Wrigley. Another short losing spell was going to happen eventually there. Game 3 of the series belonged to the Orioles as they pounded the ball off Jason Marquis which resulted in a 11-4 finale. As Lou stated to the media, the Cubs are all banged up at this time. Kosuke Fukudome missed his 2nd straight start from calf tightness and Scott Eyre left the game after an inning in relief with a left groin strain. Plus Aramis Ramirez was given a day off to rest to relieve any soreness. The Cubs watched their opponents enjoy a good productive day which included a 4-for-5 hitting display for Aubrey Huff.

After Marquis was lifted in the 4th the bullpen struggled a bit to pull it together too. 4 runs were allowed on 6 hits and a walk. The good news is Daryl Ward is back and went 2-for-2 off the bench with a RBI. Good to see the big guy healthy and making his return with the team. His bat as a pinch-hitter and occasional starter will come in handy.

Eric Patterson ripped a 2-run single to account for half of the offense. Weathering the injuries is part of long grueling season as the Cubs will have to make due until after the All-Star break. Carlos Zambrano expects to pitch a bullpen session on Sunday and be activated by July 4 for a start at St. Louis. The Cubs want to bounce back from the tiring Orioles series as they head across town for an another epic matchup with the White Sox. It will be Ryan Dempster (9-2) up against Jose Contreras (6-6) in the opening game. Let's go Cubs!