Cubs-Diamondbacks: Chicago Sweeps Arizona, Ends Slide

Behind excellent pitching from both the starters and the bullpen, along with some very timely hitting, the Cubs swept the Arizona Diamondbacks this weekend at Wrigley Field.  It was a very important series for the Cubs, who two weeks ago were only two games behind the D-Backs for the best record in baseball—before going 4-9 over their next 13 games. 

The sweep gives the Cubs a little revenge for the Diamondbacks sweeping them from the first round of the playoffs last season. 

The Cubs' bats came alive on their return to the Friendly Confines, as they put up 16 runs in three games against what is arguably one of the best pitching staffs in baseball.  Even though they didn't face Brandon Webb or Micah Owings, it was good to see the Cubs' lineup getting it done on the offensive side. 

The most important bat to come alive was Alfonso Soriano's.  Soriano finally started to tee off, going four for five in Saturday's game.

The biggest part of the weekend, though, was the impressive work from the pitching staff.  Anytime you sweep the best team in the league (record-wise) without having to throw your ace qualifies as big time. 

Ted Lilly threw a great game on Friday to get his fourth-consecutive quality start, and even chipped in with some key hitting.  The great pitching continued on Saturday, as Ryan Dempster gave the Cubs a great start and put them in position to get the big 7-2 victory. 

On Sunday, Sean Gallagher had a solid outing, even if it was cut short. For a spot start, he looked good and gave the Cubs an opportunity to win. 

The bullpen was also solid all weekend long, from shutting the door on the D-Backs on Friday and Saturday to keeping the Cubs in it on Sunday after Gallagher had gotten into a little trouble.  If the Cubs can keep pitching the way that they did this past weekend, they will be in great shape for the rest of the summer.

Even though it was just a series in early May and there are still plenty of games to come, this was a big series for the Cubs.  It righted a ship that seemed off during their road trip, and it gave them big wins over the best team in baseball.  Hopefully that trend continues as the Padres and Pirates come calling this week at Wrigley.