Hey, are these the same Chicago Cubs? Not that I'm complaining, but where did this come from? Beating the Reds 8-3 with 11 hits? OK, except for the two errors, a fan could get used to this type of performance.
Aramis Ramirez went 2-4 with a run scored. Todd Walker went 2-2 with two runs scored, two walks and a RBI. Jacque Jones got hot again, and this time against lefties, hitting a bases loaded double that scored three and a solo shot off of Merker (yes!) in the bottom of the eighth. Even Henry Blanco got a RBI single. No kidding!
Greg Maddux pitched 5.2, giving up three earned runs on seven hits, no walks and a K, for his sixth win on the season, his first in May. If it wasn't for the hour+ rain delay, he might certainly would have gone deeper in the game. This time, however, the bullpen came in strong and finished the last 3.1 without surrendering a run. Aarsdma finished up the sixth with three pitches. Novoa actually had a decent outing, although he walked another one. Ohman continued his good work of late with a two K shutout eighth and Dempster came in to close it out, although it wasn't a save situation.
Alright, can the Cubs continue this little streak and be the sweeper instead of the sweepee? We'll find out tonight, when Carlos takes the hill looking to go 4-2 on the season.
Let's Get Some Runs.