Cubs Win: We got a leadoff hitter
The Cubs losing streak is finally over, as Carlos Zambrano and company beat the Giants tonight 8-1. Let's not start pre-ordering playoff tickets just yet, as this team still has problems. But with the streak thankfully over, it's time to put the negatives aside and instead bask in the glory that is victory. It's been a long time coming.
- Zambrano was awesome in picking up his first win of the season tonight. Eight innings, one run, and he shut down Bonds. Can't ask for more than that. Hopefully now that he's got the one win under his belt, they'll start coming in bunches. (understatement of the year.)
- Dusty had Cedeno leading off tonight and it worked in the first inning like a charm. Base hit, steal, sac bunt (by Pierre), RBI groundout. It reminded me of the last time we had a true leadoff hitter, Kenny Lofton.
- All kidding aside, this lineup shakeup wasn't exactly radical. But darnit, it worked. I'm not going to complain.
- John Mabry got the start at first tonight, and while hitless, he made several great plays in the field. I don't want to overuse Mabry at first, for I fear he'll pull a Hollandsworth with regular playing time. But three starts per week (with Lee out) would seem ideal.
- Jacque Jones was 3 for 3 with a homer and 4 RBIs. Matt Cain must really suck.
- Ryan Theriot got in the game as a defensive replacement in the ninth. I'd like to see him get a few starts, but with today's lineup working, I'd expect Dusty to stick with it for the next several weeks.
That's all I have to say about this one. I'm attending my first game of the year this Friday and thankfully they won't be riding a 10-game losing streak into the game. Hopefully they'll be on a two-game winning streak.