On Wednesday night, the Cubs broke it open in the fifth against ace Ben Sheets, who admitted that he just got tanned out on the mound. He wasn't really helped by his team's fielding (the Brewers have looked dazed in the field this series) and with Big Z (8 innings, 0 runs, 5 hits) on the mound, Sheets had no room for error. Ramirez had a huge day (4-5, 2 runs, 1 RBI) and Fukudome had a key 2 RBI triple thanks to less than stellar play in left field. It all added up to a nice 7-1 win.
Last night was not much different (7-2 victory) as the Cubs scored 2 in the first and never looked back. Dempster pitched 7 innings, giving up one run on 5 hits. Soriano (3-4, 2 runs, 2 walks) and Theriot (3-3, 1 run, 3 RBI, 2 walks) tore it up at the top of the order and Reed Johnson added some grit in the 5 spot (3-5, 1 RBI).
Everything has fallen into place so far in this series. Good pitching, timely hitting, an opponent that is making crucial mistakes, and Cub hustle all over the place (Johnson's hard slide on Tuesday, Soriano stealing bases). The pitchers are back in the sing as well. Z and Dempster both had hits. Zambrano had an RBI and Dempster scored.
The Cub offense now leads the majors in walks (who would have predicted that?), are second in runs scored and OPS, and the pitching staff is sixth (second in the NL) in team ERA. That's a nice combination of stats.
Now the Cubs are looking to really put some distance on the Brewers and Cards with this last game in Milwaukee and Pittsburgh, Houston and St. Louis for the first August home stand.
Harden is still looking for his first win as a Cub despite some truly excellent outings. Picking it up at Milwaukee to complete the sweep would be a good way to get it.
There hasn't been much in the way of trade talks. I have heard Ibanez come up, but fail to see him being a great fit for this club (though he is a decent ball player). Perhaps the Cubs come up with a lefty in the pen such as Fuentes. I did hear him mentioned, but it may be that Colorado has closed shop on moving him.
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