Cubs bust out whooping stick, salvage series in Houston

Limping into Game 3 in Houston like a wounded dog the Cubs let out some frustration by pounding the ball in late innings. Expanding a 3-0 lead they blew it wide open with a series of extra base hits and singles against the Astros' bullpen. In previous days the offense ran dry, scuffling to scratch out more than a run. Mike Fontenot gave the Cubs a big lift in the 9-0 shutout yesterday hitting a solo homer in the 5th off Brandon Backe. Later he added a 2-run double to left-center for good measure. Derek Lee came out of a short slump, going 2-for-5 with 2 RBIs. The Cubs shatter a 3-game losing spell.

For the first time on the road this year Ryan Dempster (11-4) earns a win. *Dempster doing Harry Caray impersonation.

Maybe the transition for him can get the Cubs going on the road. They have 20 games on the road in the final month of the regular season. The NL Central is too close for comfort. The Cardinals have sneaked up from behind within 2 games of first place as the Brewers remain 3 games back. With Soriano expected back on Thursday help is on the way for the offense. His legs ought to be fined tuned by now and ready to provide an extra threat on the base paths.

Gunning for his first win today Rich Harden (5-1) takes the mound to meet the D-backs and Randy Johnson (6-7). They kick off the 3-game series in Arizona before returning home to play the Marlins. The young hard-throwing right-hander will try to outduel the Big Unit. With early run support he'll have a good chance to be a line for his first victory. Driving runners in position home will be the key objective for the lineup. Let's see those bats spring into action guys! Go Cubs Go!