7/19/08 @ Houston; L 1-4; (57-40)

The Chicago Cubs guaranteed another road series loss on Saturday night.

The only run came from the pitching staff when Z himself hit a home run. Attention position players! The Harden trade made the pitching rotation solid, but you will have to score runs to win games.

The Cubs did manage nine hits, only Soto and Ramirez going without. Even Kosuke, whose recent struggles earned him the seven spot last night, managed a hit.

Ryan Theriot picked up three hits, continuing to be unconscious. He has the seventh highest batting average in the major leagues! He is tenth in on base percentage and even ranks tied for 25th in stolen bases. We could stand to have him touch the plate a few more times, but that has more to do with the guys hitting after him.

Chicago managed baserunners in each of the first five innings, but failed to score. The third inning gave them their best shot. With one out, Reed Johnson and Derek Lee had back to back base hits. Alas, Ramirez struck out and Soto grounded to the pitcher to end the inning.

Zambrano had a decent outing on the mound; six and a third with only six hits, but Houston made the most of them getting four runs.

I say there is no reason for panic yet Cub fans. We started the season slow, we start the second half slow.

Let's give everyone a couple series to settle back in, get Soriano back, and then see how we are doing.