Jeff Samardzija Dazzles as Cubs Power Their Way Past the Reds 3-1

Jeff Samardzija pitched 7 2/3 brilliant innings as the Chicago Cubs offense provided him just enough to earn him the victory over the Cincinnati Reds 3-1.

The Cubs have won five of their last eight games.  Could this possibly be a sign of good things to come?

Here is what we learned and the questions we have after this Cubs victory.

Is Jeff Samardzija the ace of the staff?  Right now, that title belongs to Matt Garza, but Samardzija is proving the Cubs made the smart move by converting him into a starting pitcher this season.  He tossed 7 2/3 innings while giving up one run on three hits and striking out seven. The main concern for Samardzija is at times he will be wild, which is apparent by his walk to innings ratio.  However, he is averaging nine strikeouts a game, he is keeping the ball down and he has only given up one home run on the year.  Samardzija improved to 3-1 on the season, and he is shaping to be a pivotal part of this starting rotations future.

Has Geovany Soto found his swing?  Soto has two consecutive multi-hit games in row and this is a small glimmer of hope of seeing Soto turn it around at the plate.  After this game, he is currently hitting .155.

Cubs power their way to a victory:  It was as rare as seeing pigs fly, but the Cubs managed to hit two home runs as one came from Bryan LaHair and the other from Ian Stewart.  Still, the Cubs total home runs on the year is only nine and Alfonso Soriano has yet to go yard.  The Cubs are on their way to hitting a club worst in home runs in their franchise history.