4/9/08 @ Pirates; W 6-4; (5-3)

2008 Cubs road games ....two
2008 Cubs road games won....two
2008 Cubs road games extra innings....two

Road trips are tough enough, much less playing nine extra innings in two games. I guess the day off on Tuesday helps, as does winning both of these games. There is a bit of fight to this team and that is pleasant to see.

As I checked the outcome of the game on espn.com, I was happy to see Felix Pie came through with a clutch hit. Aramis too came through in the clutch, but the pitching kept him from being the hero of this game.

Derek Lee somehow managed to go hitless in eight plate appearances, thus ending his four game hitting streak. It is crushing how much a batting average can drop in one game early in the season. Especially when you get six ABs in a game and you only have 30 on the season.

Props to Ryan Dempster for another solid outing. Seven innings, one hit, and no runs allowed. It's a shame he doesn't come out of this with a win. Nonetheless, one earned run in his first 13 innings this season sure ratifies the decision to make him a starter.

The team faces the Pirates tonight with a chance at their first series sweep as they look to extend their winning streak to five. The pitching matchup seems to favor the Cubs as Rich Hill takes on Matt Morris. With a win, and a little help from Cincinnati and San Francisco, the Cubs can be knocking on the door for first place as they head to Philadelphia for the weekend.