Zambrano, ROTY Candidates Provide Their Own Fireworks In July 4th Win

On the Fourth of July, it wasn’t just the birth of a nation, but it was the rebirth of one of the most exciting rivalries in baseball. The Cubs and Cards celebrated Independence Day in true baseball style, opening a 3-day battle between the two best records in the National League. The big stories were the return of Jim Edmonds to St. Louis—as he had played over 1,100 games in a Cardinal uniform—and the Cubs’ ace, Carlos Zambrano, returning from the DL.

It didn’t take long for the Cubs to strike. After Reed Johnson flied out to center, Rookie of the Year candidate Kosuke Fukudome responded with his 7^th home run of the year. After the side retired, the thing on every Cub fan’s mind was if Zambrano could produce after straining his shoulder. Striking out Pujols to end the inning put any doubts to rest.

After striking out Braden Looper to end the 2^nd, Zambrano got in a little bit of trouble. After Schumaker singled to center, he stole second after Ryan Theriot dropped the throw from home. But Aaron Miles and Albert Pujols would pop out to keep the one-run lead safe.

The Cubs’ other Rookie of the Year candidate, Geovany Soto, added a solo shot in the 4^th  for number 14 on the year to make it 2-0.

In the 8^th inning, the Cards finally got on the board when Albert Pujols hit his 18^th of the year off of reliever Bob Howry, cutting the deficit in half to 2-1. But that’s all they would get in that inning, as Neal Cotts would strike out Rick Ankiel to go to the 9^th.

Jason Isringhausen came on in the 9^th to give the Wild Card leaders a chance for an easy tie, and struck out Edmonds, while keeping Soto from getting into scoring position. But then Kerry Wood would take the mound in the bottom half of the inning, striking out a very pissed-off Troy Glaus, as he went down looking on a close strike and stormed back to the dugout. Duncan would pop out to Theriot, but Molina hit a single to shallow left to keep the hope alive. Ludwick grounded out to DeRosa to close it, and Wood earned his 12^th straight save, and his 22^nd of the year.

After the game, the fireworks went off, but I think the show of the night was provided by Big Z and the rookies.

Carlos Zambrano (9-3) earned the win, going 6 innings, giving up 4 hits, 2 walks, and striking out 5, winning his 8th straight against St. Louis. Braden Looper (9-6) picked up the loss, but struck out 5 and allowed a walk, while giving up 6 hits.

The Cubs (52-35) now lead the Cardinals (49-39) by 3 ½ games in the National League Central Division.