Offense stirs with Soriano back, Cubs relish time at home

The heavens opened up and God allowed magic to continue in Wrigleyville. That's right the Cubs remain in a groove at home and Soriano is BACK baby! Since reemerging in the lineup the sweet-swinging slugger has helped start a 2-0 win streak. After the horrid play, mainly the lackluster run production on the road the Cubs are getting serious. Last night in the 6-3 triumph over the Marlins Carlos Zambrano brought the heat, fanning 6 batters. In 7 innings Big Z allowed 6 hits and 2 runs without a walk. I like to see the Cubs ace under control and getting run support.

With Lou giving a few guys the night off it was the reserves coming up big on offense. Ronny Cedeno and Henry Blanco smacked solo homers. In his second game back from the DL Soriano went 1-for-3 with a run scored. His presence alone in the leadoff spot again will give the rest of the lineup, especially the middle of the order, better pitches to see. The Cubs have ran their mark at home to 38-12. With the lineup more balanced and stabilized now they're ready to fight to the finish in the NL Central. The Cubs will have to contend for a while without Kerry Wood who was placed on the DL this week with a blister on his pitching hand. As shown last night Marmol will hang tough as a temporary replacement as closer.

The All-Star reliever is learning quick how to work out of jams. After walking 3 batters to load the batters Marmol managed to run a count to 3-2 and get the strikeout to end the game. Fans just got to keep the faith in him. With outcome at Wrigley in Game 1 of the series Marmol notched his 4th save. The pieces are coming together again as Zambrano elevates his record to 11-4, keeping his ERA under 3 as Ramirez snaps out of his hitting drought drilling a 2-run double Thursday night and the streaky Alfonso Soriano is back healthy and ready to lead the charge.

The Cubs still have a problem. Unfortunately, the Brewers are nipping at the their heels after sweeping the Cardinals and have inched within a game of first place. Later in August and September when the two teams meet for a couple eventful series it will be gut-check time. Let's just say the Cubs aren't planning on being dethroned. Get another streak going Cubbies and keep scoring RUNS!!