Jim, I'm glad Dusty went with Dempster instead of Rusch ... these days I feel no lead is safe! On a side note, Rusch kind of reminds me both talent wise and in terms of his role on the team of the great Ray Fontenot from the '80s.

CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN!

Good night everyone.

Top 9

looking good!

109 pitches for Z.

Take him out dusty, let rusch mop up.

Anthony it was earlier today, but be careful...remember 'Frogger'?

Michele it did hit his ankle. Matheny checked on him, I agree though...but I am glad at the same time.

My question from that inning is why didn't they walk Blanco to get to Zambrano? I know Z is probably a better hitter than Blanco, but I still would have walked Blanco. They could have moved the infield back and played for the DP.

3 up, 3 down...great statement by Z

Neil, I don't want to get hurt patting myself on the back, but I think you'll find from yesterday's post (or maybe early this am) where I prognosticated or luckily guessed that the Cubs would score some runs today, Z would look good and we would get a big win. I know the game isn't over yet, but it's looking really good so far.

Help!!!! I am running out of fingers.

What a 6th inning...they got an assist, but Blanco hit the ball hard.

I agree on Z challenging Bonds, particularly on the first two pitches of the sequence. Strike three was deadly though.

Why didn't alou remove Cain after he got smoked by that line drive up the middle? It hit his ankle or shin i think.

Let's run up the score, its time to build some confidence and start a WINNING streak. Feels good to finally be heading towards a W. (I know that its not over yet but if we blow this 7 run lead I'll throw myself in front of rush hour traffice).

Anthony you took the words out of my article about Mabry...he has been great.

Way to go Jacque and great hustle!!!

Is that a 3 spot I see?

Neil, I need your help. I see this odd looking number next to the Cubs score. What is that? It sure doesn't look like a 0 or 1. : )

I like that the Cubs pitchers are going after Bonds, for the most part. Zambrano looked really good that last inning, and um how about Mabry at first? He's made no less than 4 really good plays.

Come on Pierre........STEAL !!!!

The last strike to Bonds was UNHITABLE!!!!

What a pitch!!!

Good News!!!

Anaheim 12 Bridgeport 5

about time those humps get smoked.

That is 4 walks already for Zambrano.

We went down in order but hit the ball really hard in that inning and could have easily had 2 hits. Come on Z, don't even let these guys think they can win !!!

I'll take a look at the info. Thanks. He and Pie are tearing it up, I've heard.

The Cubs have got to keep the momentum going their way...they've got to score some more runs.

Michele,

I did a Minor League update earlier in the day and Jim asked what I thought about Buck Coats...that was all, the comment is in the Minor League article.

And I agree on Z, 3up 3 down in the 3rd....

Z seems to have a little of the old "edge" back. I just have a bad feeling that Barrett doesn't make that play at home...

what was the Coates info...I missed it?

Anthony, if not for a good play by Mabry you would have been right.

Zambrano showed very good composure to get out of that inning.

Nice play by Mabry. Nice K by Zambrano. I lost the bet and I'm glad !!

And ANOTHER lead off walk. How much do you want to bet he scores ?

The Cubs score...2 innings in a row...and a crooked number in one inning...

Neil,

If Z doesn't walk the leadoff man, that groundball is routine and we never see Bonds until the 2nd inning.

I was just typing how that lead off walk killed our momentum and got the Cubs thinking... "here we go again" and then Jones blasts a home run.

I agree with you Neil, this is a "must win" game.

Anthony....which percentage does that fall under?

Z should have been at 1st.

Zambrano walks the lead off man of the game. 45% of the time lead off walks score. Here's hoping this is one of the 55% where they don't score.

If you remember, that is what Maddux did to start the game yesterday.

I like having Cedeno lead off because then Pierre can do what he does best, lay down the bunt and advance the runner. I like it. It worked out this time at least!

How about we jus talk about the Ronny Cedeno factor from here on out..We strike first..a sign of good things to come?

I really like this lineup!!! It gives me a new glimmer of hope...Havin a hot Cedeno get on base ahead of Pierre may help Juan get out of this slump..Blanco should help Z..GO CUBS!!!

Ronny Cedeno is in the Lead-Off spot tonight. Here is tonight's lineup:

Cedeno - SS

Pierre - CF

Walker - 2B

Ramirez - 3B

Mabry - 1B

Murton - LF

Jones - RF

Blanco - C

Zambrano - P

Neil:

Thanks for the Coates info.

Now lets get a win!!!!