7/23/08 @ Arizona; W 10-6; (59-42)

Welcome back Alfonso! Coming off the DL and leading off for the Cubs, he got progressively better as the night went on. He struck out his first time up. An rbi and two fly ball outs were followed by a double in the eighth inning.

His performance was far from the best on the team, though his return may have inspired the resurgence. The star for tonight was Reed Johnson, hitting in the eight hole. He went three for four and scored two runs. He drove in four all in one swing of the bat. His eighth inning grand slam proved to be quite helpful as the D'backs moved within four, but never closer. Maybe with Alfonso back, the quest for playing time for the other outfielders will push them to perform better.

Ted Lilly grinded his way through six innings to earn the win. He gave up six hits, but struck out six. He gave up three runs on his way to earning a win.

Aramis extended his hitless streak to 24 at bats before getting a single in the eighth inning. He is now 1 for 25 since the All Star break. Derek Lee added a couple hits and is creeping back towards the .300 mark on the year.

Chicago is 2-4 since the break, and have let their lead slip to one game over the Brewers. Their perch on top of the NL central, a spot they have occupied since May 11th, is perilous. Let's hope the return of Alfonso, and the return to Wrigley, will change fortunes for the Cubbies.