Sunday's player of the game: Reed Johnson

The Cubs depth off the bench is paying dividends with clutch hits being delivered in pinch-hitting roles. With the lead vanished and the score deadlocked at 5 a piece yesterday in the 8th Reed Johnson strolled to the plate with one man aboard. He clobbered an 0-2 pitch for a 2-run homer to put the Cubs ahead 7-5. This was the difference in the game. Soriano went back-to-back with solo shot his 19th of the year to give the Cubs back their 3-run lead flushed away in the top half of the inning. Neal Cotts entered in relief to start the 6th inning, yielding 2 runs on 2 hits. Then Chad Gaudin took over to try to quiet the Pirates' lineup and allowed a homerun by Andy LaRoche. Thank goodness the Cubs offense responded quick and took back control of the game. Otherwise the series may have slipped away from them.

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I understand Lou wants to keep his starting pitchers to a certain limit on pitch counts. However, when pulling guys after the 5th inning results in them getting a no decision it kind of stinks. That's what happened to Carlos Zambrano in Sunday's outcome. This is not to say a Cubs win isn't utmost important yet Big Z pitched a good game and probably had enough left to complete another inning or so. The bullpen, unfortunately blew the lead and writhered away his chances to collect his 13th win. Still it worked out well in the end because the Cubs squeaked out the victory. Not to be forgotten, Geo aided the lineup's production with 2 hits and 2 RBIs. He's redeveloping his swing at the plate and beginning to drive in runners within scoring position.

As the trade deadline has come and gone I guess Cubs management has the faith in the talent on the roster to be enough in route to the postseason. I admit being jealousy though of the White Sox in acquiring Ken Griffey Jr. The veteran superstar would've made a great fit for the Cubs too. The surprising part was not much market value had to be exchanged for Griffey which I thought was a shame. The way the Cubs bench and starting pitching is performing they appear intent on going on a major run in the final two months of the season. Reed Johnson's batting average climbs close to .300 with the outfield rotation enabling the veterans to stay rested and maintain their stamina. Ryan Dempster (12-4) welcomes the Astros in the opening game for a 3-game series at Wrigley starting tonight. Brian Moehler (6-3) will get the start for Houston. A third consecutive win could stretch the Cubs NL Central lead to 6 over the Brewers. Go Cubs Go!