Harden adds to breeze at Wrigley, shuts out Reds 5-0

When the Cubs are on a roll no team in the NL can stop them especially not the low-tier, bottom of the division Cincinnati Reds. That team is now a floor mat (since Griffey Jr. is gone, it's true which makes me feel better about making such a statement) and is sure to take a few beatings before the season ends. Last night in Wrigleyville it was smooth sailing for the Cubs. Rich Harden dominated the game! His 7 inning outing showcased a 10-strikeout performance with only 2 hits allowed including his first RBI as a Cub. Way to go Rich, you the man! Not to be overlooked due to such a brilliant pitching gem Derek Lee went 2-for-4 with a RBI. The lineup reached that magic number 5 which was more than enough for their splendid starting pitcher.

After bringing home a run in the 5th the Cubs pounded out 4 runs in the 8th. Kosuke Fukudome, displaying his hitting ability again drilled a 2-run single while Ramirez pounced on a pitch in the zone for a RBI double. Lee drove in another run as well. With the determination and focus this Cubs squad is playing with in recent weeks if other NL opponents can't recognize they're serious just wait until they face them. From the outcomes in the past 2 weeks Chicago is doing all the intangibles to win: defense, hitting, pitching, and executing. Though it isn't of utmost importance, at the moment the Cubs are tied with the Rays for the best record in baseball.

I applaud Lou Piniella for his efforts to keep his arms in the rotation fresh by not letting them go too deep in games and mixing in the bench to give guys extended at-bats. I especially liked his decision to start Sean Marshall the other day. Unfortunately, the young lefty didn't get the decision in such a tight game. That's okay he'll hopefully get a few more chances as a starter. Replacing Marquis with him as the no. 5 starter would be fine by me. Another southpaw in the rotation can only add more strength to this club.

To finish out the series with the Reds, Ted Lilly (12-6) and Carlos Zambrano (12-5) make starts in Game 2 and 3. Both will apsire to put the whiff on the Reds while lowering their ERAs. Then up next are the Nationals to close out the short homestand before the team travels to Pittsburgh for another 3-game series with the Pirates. Looking good Cubs, just continue to bring it!