Cubs inch way to 3-1 win

Luckily the Cubs had enough in the tank to pull a subtle 3-1 victory in Pittsburgh. Whether it's a solid pitching performance which got delivered by Rich Harden or effective hitting Chicago makes due. Now for a team with a stellar talented cast it's kind of disappointing to see them falling behind the freaking Reds and Cardinals. With a sterling gem Rich Harden delivered. He pitched 7-8 innings with 9 K's to earn a 5-4 record.

On the road in Pittsburgh the Cubs had the best record on a high winning percentage. Until later they'll have to subside on momentum and energy to strive for better days. Good luck with that.

Soto launches homerun, Cubs prevail 5-4

At was a glorious day against the cross-town rivals as the Cubs made it to victory. The 5-4 victory looked good for those who witnessed it. I'm looking forward eventually to seeing a game sometime. Derek Lee has proven he's going to get the big hits here and there. His average has picked up in recent weeks yet no fan likes to see so the stranded runners. Geo Soto cranked the big homerun his 7th or 8th of the season. Lou Piniella dealt with a few in the dugout. Milton Bradley left the game after throwing a temper tantrum for whatever reason.

Serving as a good role players off the bench Hoffupauir and Reed Johnson are performing up to par. The rest of the lineup needs work. The starting pitching has done okay up to this point. I like the two top starters: Zambrano and Lilly. I don't see enough consistency with the starting 9 on the field. Sure they're those who are gutsy and strive for the best while the others seem to bring down the overall performance of the team. When will this ever change? Aiming for the best the Cubs will most likely lean to their main veteran leaders.

Cubs work win streak to 4 in a row, Soto homers

With the Friendly Confines in full view for the fans the Cubs do care of their visitors, sweeping the Indians. Nobody knew what the slip-ups were here and there in the past few weeks. Too many mindsets were not on the same page yet they never are usually. Geovany Soto hammered a homerun to left-centerfield. The Cubs have played 7 or more extra inning games this year with good results for the most part.

Allowing the competition to get the best of them is not what the Cubs want. Nevertheless, money can't save this franchise once again as expected. It may speak volumes, but of course action is much stronger than words. How many times have I witnessed stupidity and bad decision making from those in the front office? Evidently, when an offer is allegedly made to someone a person's word should be kept! The 6-2 win was nice yesterday, but if poor management continues so much for the season working out right for the Cubs. Eventually maybe those who considered themselves are top brass will learn and not think about who is kissing ass.

Lilly hits the mark in 3-2 victory

The Cubs brought up the W in Chicago yesterday with a fine-tuned pitching performance. With enough run support Lilly lasted 7 innings while garnering 6 strikeouts. Geo Soto hit a RBI double with a 3-for-4 performance. The wind wasn't much a factor for a homerun display since that didn't happen. It's nice to see the Cubs tack on runs yet a win is always good.

From the bullpen Carlos Marmol came through in relief with the win. This homestand
hopefully will turn out well for the Cubs. They'll see the White Sox then the Indians before heading on the road. As usual a trade will be in order this year before the deadline because nothing is consistent again with the offensive output. I can't wait for that day to come...I won't hold my breath. With the right support this franchise can muster far beyond a 30-30 record.

Cubs bang out victory in 14th inning

Alfonso Soriano delivered with the clutch homerun in extras to put the Cubs ahead after going meandering innings of scoreless baseball. Stranding runners has always been an issue for the team. Yet with the momentum shifts in their favor the game progresses for the team in blue. Pushing across 3 runs in early innings Chicago looked sharp. Too many times this team seems to lose it's luster, although when strong willing can muster up enough for a comeback.

Nobody likes to see boring, tiresome inning after inning with no runs put on the board. Obtaining the right mix to put on the field is the way to go. Lou Piniella I see is once again experimenting with his accumulated talent here and there. I look for a good season from Micah Hoffpauir. Last night with the wheels of speed Ryan Theriot once again aided the winning effort. He went 3-for-6 with an RBI. With their concentration on the upcoming series the Cubs expect to take over against the Astros then they'll head to Minnesota. This is only June with their record notched at 28-26. Go Cubs!!

Cubs drop close encounter in extras, 6-5

In a scrappy contest last night the Cubs put forth the effort from an offensive standpoint. Alfonso Soriano served up a solo blast. So far the left fielder has 13 homeruns and 26 RBIs. Nobody expects miracles to happen overnight yet when poor decision behind closed doors are made the performance on the field becomes dismal. The Cubs don't want that at all. This is why young players like Micah Hoffpauir has displayed their talent and are off to a good season.

The starting rotation I hope will take definitive shape later in the year. Zambrano, Dempster, and Lilly are key again as their endurance will be tested. Derek Lee put a nice effort in Monday night with 2 hits and 2 RBIs with a homerun. The relief staff just didn't manage to hold on in extras as the winning run scored in the 11th inning. That shouldn't have happened, but who the hell knows why these games get away from the Cubs. With the right motivation and spirit the team will take a new direction.