Come to Think of it...Cubs' Streak Ends with a Whimper

Whiff. And just like that, it was over; the game and the winning streak.

One run, four hits, and no extra-base hits just ain't gonna get 'er done, folks.

Especially with the 42-year old Greg Maddux pitching like a man in a time warp.  As if just seeing him doesn't conjure up bad memories of past failure. But to see him holding down the National League's best offense like that, and making it look easy, was just not right.

And credit the Padres manager for knowing when to take him out of the game. Unlike Lou, who should have been happy with seven, solid innings from Lilly, but instead left him in there to start the eighth inning, to face Brian Giles. Giles promptly greeted Ted with a double that eventually became the winning run. He brought in Marmol one batter too late.

And also credit Ryan Theriot for at least showing some signs of life in the ninth inning against the very hittable Trevor Hoffman, who, when last seen, was unable to hold a two-run lead against the San Francisco Giants and was sporting a 5.59 ERA.

Ah, but as soon as I saw Derrek Lee come to the plate, I knew the game was over. Lee just can't get a hit with men on base, and he sure didn't disappoint once again, striking out to end the game.

Cubs lose 2-1. Wait, that was strange to write and even stranger to read. The Cubs lost? It's been so long that it just doesn't seem possible. Maybe a blown save or a wild 10-9 loss, but not 2-1.

Unfortunately, after further review, it was indeed true.

So now it's on to L.A. for four against the Dodgers. Following a rare off day on the ninth, the schedule doesn't get any easier for the Cubs, as they come home to face a resurgent Atlanta ball club and the .409-hitting Chipper "don't call me Larry" Jones.

Then it's back on the road to face good ol' Toronto and Tampa Bay, followed by a return home only to find their archenemy, the White Sox, always a tough, emotional series.

But take heart Cubs fans, we're still the best team in baseball. And we lead the NL central by three games over the stinkin' Cardinals.

But still, a loss...what? I guess I'm in denial because I swear we won that game.  It's just a weird feeling that I'd rather not get used to. The streak was so enjoyable that I hate to see it end. Come to think of it, let's start a new one.