3 Strikes and the Pirates Are Out

Cubs 7 Pirates 3

The Cubbies started September off in the win column. With Derek Lee out nursing a bruise on his foot, the Cubs pitchers struck out 13 and allowed only 3 runs.

Greg Maddux started the game and won his 11th of the year. He had a very strong performance, but had to leave in the 6th after giving up 2 runs and having runners on 1st and 2nd with no outs. Michael Wuertz came in and gave his best performance of the year. After a wild pitch allowed the runners to advance to 2nd and 3rd, Wuertz reached back and struck out the next three batters he faced. Williamson and Novoa held the Pirates and Dempster got his 21st save of the year. This was one of the best team pitching performances of the year. Maddux can still get to 15...keep it up.

Nomar kept hot and had a 2 run homer. All of Nomar's homers, 5, have come since his return from the DL on August 1st, 21 games. Nomar also had a great defensive play at 3rd that preserved the win for Maddux. Nomar will make a good pick-up in the off season, I just hope he can stay in Chicago and play second.

Dusty was right with the line-up today. The vets came through. How does the saying go? 'In Dusty We Trusty!'

Saturday - Carlos Zambrano(11-5/3.04) vs. Dave Williams(10-10/4.21)

The Cubs get a brunch game tomorrow. An 11:35am C.D.T. start time. Let's all hope the coffee kicks in and they can win the 2nd game of the series. Zambrano has pitched well his last several starts and Blanco should catch tomorrow's game. Big Z can shut those guys down and maybe the offense will keep rolling. Rich Hill got the call-up today and he should be available in the bullpen. Look for Neifi to play again tomorrow. He is hitting over .500 for the year against the Pirates and went 3 for 5 tonight. Murton should get the start tomorrow. Hopefully this is a start of a winning month...just win!!