4/20/08 vs. Pirates; W 13-6; (13-6)

I have never been so happy to be wrong. Braden Looper didn't pick up his fourth win today. The Giants beat the Cardinals and the Reds took care of the Brewers. That moves YOUR CHICAGO CUBS into first place in the NL Central for the first time this year. Mark your calendar, write down the date.... April 20th. The first date of the 2008 season that the Cubs sit atop the NL Central standings. Here's to Sep 29th being the last time during the season they are in first.

As for this game, where should I start?

• For the second game in a row the Cubs scored 13 runs. The run total also marks the third time this season, all in the last five games, that they have scored 12 or more runs in a game.
• Aramis Ramirez had his first great game of the year, going four for five, with four RBIs. Ryan Theriot also had four hits extending his hitting streak to seven games. During that streak he has raised his average 109 points. The Cubs now have six everyday players hitting over .300, whereas after the first week of the season they only had two hitting over .200.
• Matt Murton got the start I was looking for him to get. He did drive in two runs and get a base knock, but he left eight of his teammates on base. Considering the slow start most of the team had, I am willing to cut him some slack for his first eight at bats. Driving in more of those runners today though might have earned more time in the starting lineup.
• The Cubs tallied 18 hits today, all by the eight starting position players. For the season the team has the second most hits in the NL. Second only by one hit to the St. Louis Cardinals.
• Ryan Dempster picked up his third win of the season, claiming the team lead from Zambrano.

With the record sitting at 12-6, we are at a critical point....as far as superstitious history is concerned. A loss tomorrow and we are 12-7, the same record as the ill fated 2003 team after 19 games. A win tomorrow and we are 13-6, the same record as the 1908 Cubs at the same point in their season. I won't give up on the season should we fall to the Mets. I will keep my eye out for black cats, billy goats, and Steve Bartman at the game tomorrow night.