Nothing cures a slump like sweeping the best team in baseball.
That’s exactly what the Chicago Cubs did this weekend, as they beat the Arizona Diamondbacks in three games, turning around their prior 3-7 decline.
Coming into the weekend, Arizona had the best record in the Major Leagues, 22-11. The best record now belongs to Florida, which is now 23-14.
The Cubs saw much improvement in many aspects of the game. Ted Lilly and Alfonso Soriano both made highlights this weekend after slow starts to the year.
Soriano hit .555 during the series, improving his overall average to .223. Soriano also had two runs batted in this weekend, including the go-ahead run in the six-run seventh inning on Saturday. The Cubs won that game 7-2.
He got the majority of the Cubs’ 6-4 Mother’s Day win off. Soriano was a pinch hitter late in the game, drawing a walk.
In the first game, a 3-1 Chicago victory, Lilly let his star shine. Lilly pitched seven full innings while giving up three hits and one earned run. He struck out 10 Diamondbacks and walked only two. Lilly has improved his ERA to 5.24.
Kerry Wood also had a good weekend.
The Cub closer earned his sixth save on Friday and his seventh on Sunday. Wood’s ERA has now dropped to 3.79.
Sean Gallagher got his first start of the year Sunday, pitching four and one-third innings. The right handed pitcher gave up five hits and four earned runs.
With the sweep, the Cubs are now 22-15 and back atop the National League Central Division, tied with St. Louis. They have also gained some momentum and can improve their marks during the next week. They will wrap up their 10-game home stand with four games against San Diego and three against Pittsburgh.
According to Cubs.com, it is expected that Jason Marquis (1-2) will face Randy Wolf (2-2) Tuesday. On Wednesday Shawn Estes will see his first Major League action of the year against Jon Lieber (2-2), who will be hoping to redeem himself after giving up four home runs last week at Cincinnati. Greg Maddux (3-3) is likely to return to Wrigley Field on Thursday against Ryan Dempster (4-1).
comments (4) write a comment »
write a new comment
2 months ago
It was nice to see the sweep Matt. Very surprised but happy. Nothing means less, however, than a relief pitcher's ERA. Look at Chad Fox - he walks away with having his ERA go down today despite giving up two runs (both charged to Gallagher). But the bottom line is Wood got the job done and that's what really matters. Hey, how about trading for Maddux to finish his career with the Cub?
2 months ago
Great series and I think the Cubs showed that they are in this for real. Gallagher looks to get another start against Pittsburgh, with Lieber moving back to the bullpen where he thrived previously. Great wrap-up article Matt, keep up the good work.
2 months ago
I'm all about going and getting Maddux. I'm a big fan of him. Matt I believe Zambrano is scheduled to throw today against Wolf in the opening game of the series. It's a 4 game set. Just a clarification. Overall nice article though. I like the turn around, hope it continues!
from 2 months ago
Well, you're right. But at the time I was writing the article I don't think Cubs.com had updated the probable pitchers. I didn't notice at the time. And I knew it was a four game set...I had mentioned that before. I just didn't think the third match up was worth mentioning.
write a new comment