Shortened Game 1 doesn't dampen spirits as Cubs rebound

What a lousy outcome to Game 1. Mother nature interfered with the Cubs attempted comeback Monday night. With the action halted in the bottom of the 8th with 1 out the game the Cubs never got another chance to return to the field. Severe lightning and thundering with a patch of rain resulted in long delays with the game had to be called. Being shafted the Cubs dropped the opening 2-0 to the Astros. Today, with the sun out the Cubs ripped the ball. Another nice comeback victory etched together. Getting in the rest needed from a day off Derek Lee sprung into action, breaking out with a 4-hit game including an RBI. With the Cubs trailing 7-6 in the bottom of the 7th the offense took over.

With runners on the corners from a single and double, Fukudome lifts a sac fly to right to tie up the game. After an intentional walk to Daryl Ward as a pinch-hitter the magic happened.
Alfonso Soriano delivered with a clutch 3-run homer to put the Cubs ahead 10-7. Coming up big again in recent weeks Soriano connected on his 20th bomb for the season. Considering he's only played 64, producing 52 RBIs with 49 runs scored that's really good. Plus he sure is motivating the rest of the team, giving them reason to join in the fun. Mark DeRosa seems to learning from him and feeding off his energy as he went 3-for-5 with 3 RBIs in the 11-7 hit parade.

As it stands the Cubs hold a healthy lead in the NL Central at 68-46. Tomorrow will be their 20 straight game approaching a well deserved day off on Thursday. I still feel the Cubs' number to obtain is *95* or better. Getting there before the Cardinals or Brewers won't be a problem the way the bats are cracking. The best news this week for the team is Kerry Wood made his return today. He pitched in the 8th and allowed only a hit. Having Wood back in the closer spot can only make this inspiring Cubs team stronger.

I heard Lou is confident he has his 25-man roster he wants until the season's end. Knowing the cunning veteran manager likes the mix of talent and feels it's enough to lead the Cubs into the postseason I'd still feel better if Felix Pie (I know stop talking about him) came up by September. With Soriano and him in the lineup they'd be threats every night on the bases and probably increase the average runs scored per game. Okay, it's a long shot, but thought I'd throw the idea out there...one more time. Cubs rule!! Woooooooo!