Cubs get the best of the Red birds, take series at Wrigley

Once again the Cubs responded to the challenge against a division rival. Over the weekend the Cubs played a little long ball, fundamentally sound small ball, drove in runners within scoring position (a big plus) while demonstrating superior defense. The series would've been sweeter if not for the devastating outing Carlos Zambrano endured. That game was so unlike him as he pitched just 4 innings and served up a couple homeruns. Yet that didn't break the Cubs' stride as they went on to win the series 2 games to 3 after Sunday night's 6-2 triumph. Behind Ryan Dempster it was all about the defense. Hanging around for 6.2 innings Dempster proved to be effective again, yielding two earned runs on 6 hits and 3 walks.

Thanks in part to a few highlight web gems by Jim Edmonds and a great catch by Fukudome in right the Cubs' defense had Dempster's back all night. Exceeding their average run production the lineup got to Chris Carpenter early to take a 2-0 lead and tacted on extra runs later. Alfonso Soriano pushed his batting average past .300 with 2 hits and run scored. Getting the start at shortstop in place of Theriot and making the most of it, Ronny Cedeno came through in the 6th inning with a 2-run double to right-center. Good to see Lou giving the youngster playing time. Also, Mark DeRosa served as a big part of the offense adding a sac fly and an RBI single off the Cardinals' bullpen.

The homestand had to boost spirits as the Cubs go 6-3. The club will have to contend with a grueling road schedule in September where they'll play 16 of their last 25 games away from Wrigley Field. I still think 24 more wins probably will wrap it up for the Cubs. Depending on what kind of run the Brewers make down the stretch and how the two remaining series go with the two teams that number may be altered. With another off day the Cubs can rejuvenate and if good luck falls in his path Fukudome will rediscover his swing in the batting cages. I'm sure hitting coach Alan Trammel has a few suggestions to help with the right-fielder's approach at the plate to break the slump. Be patient Fukudome...the hits will come eventually. In the mean time continue to kick butt in the NL! Go Cubs Go!