(from BNB)
Cubs 2 Cardinals 1
The Cubs won their first season series at Busch Stadium since 1995 tonight. Maddux beat Mark Mulder for the 2nd time this year to earn his 12th win of the season and the 317th of his career. Maddux threw another great game and even pitched himself out of a bases loaded, no out jam in the 3rd inning. With tonight’s game, Maddux passed his 400 innings needed to be back with the Cubs in 2006. The option is a part of the contract he signed before the 2004 season and is worth $9 million dollars. Maddux pitched 5 2/3 innings of shutout ball and the Cubs offense did just enough to win the game.
All of the scoring for the Cubs came in the 2nd inning. Perez had a RBI double and then Matt Murton had a single to right to drive in Perez. Mulder pitched very well, but Maddux and company just plain beat him tonight. Dempster came in for a nail bitting 9th to pickup his 24th save of the year.
The Cubs are the only team in the Central Division to have a winning record against the Cardinals this year. Why could they not play like this against the rest of the league? With tonight’s win the Cubs are 5-1 in September, and on this road trip, and are back to 3 games under .500. Anytime the Cubs take 2 out of 3 from the Cardinals is a reason to celebrate.
Time to head to the left coast..and The San Francisco Giants
Thursday – Carlos Zambrano(12-5/3.16) vs. Noah Lowry(12-11/3.71)
The big question for Thursday’s game is will Barry Bonds be in the lineup or not? And if he is, will the Cubs pitch to him? The Giants have been playing good ball lately winning their last 7 of 8 before Wednesday’s night game against the Dodgers. They do not need Barry to win, but who knows what Alou will do. This will be another homecoming for Dusty and the 2nd series of the year against Moises Alou. The Giants have always played the Cubs tough and Zambrano needs to continue to pitch well to give them a chance to win. Zambrano is 6-1 since the All-Star break. Dusty needs to play the kids. Nomar and DLee must keep hitting for the Cubs to have a chance. This is a big 4 game series before heading home to face the Reds. A sweep would put the Cubs above .500….well..I can dream can’t I?
Get rest, enjoy the plane ride…and just win!!!