The Cubs finished off the Pirates in a three game series on Wednesday as the two played an early morning game at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Carlos Zambrano pitched six innings to lead the Cubs on the mound as he picked up his first victory since July 22. The Cubs offense stayed hot in the 8-5 victory but are the bats heating up just a little bit to late into the seaason?
Zambrano struck out eight and gave up five hits before being pulled after throwing 98 pitches. Big Z was not happy with coming out of the game and he let Lou know about it as he walked back into the dugout. As Zambrano walked back to the dugout, replays showed Lou just smiling as he waiting on the mound for John Grabow to enter the game.
Grabow, and Carlos Marmol both threw scoreless inning and Marmol picked up the save which was his 11th of the season. Marmol sure is showing the team that he wants that spot full time in 2010. One bullpen guy did not have a good game and that was Kevin Gregg again. Gregg was taken deep for a three run home run by former Cub Ronny Cedeno. Gregg, it was nice knowing you, (not really) but your time as a Cub should and will hopefully be over after this season.
Micah Hoffpauir hit a solo home run and also had a sac fly as he finished the game with two rbi. Catcher Koyie Hill also knocked in a pair of runs with a rbi single. The offense really swung the bats good in Pittsburgh. Hopefully the off day on Thursday won’t throw them off stride.
The Cubs will begin a weekend series with the Cincinatti Reds on Friday. Need to keep on winning if they want any shot at making the wildcard. I know it is a very small shot, but who knows what can happen.
- Cliff
Cubs Blog
Cubs sweep Pirates but is it too late?