7/4/08 @ St. Loius; W 2-1; (52-35)

Carlos Zambrano returned to the mound for the first time since June 18th and he did so in impressive fashion. He pitched six innings, striking out five and allowing no runs. He showed signs of the competitive frustration we have come to love in the bottom of the second. Yadier Molina hit a swinging bunt that neither Z or Geo called. The result was a delay in fielding the ball and no play at first. When Geo handed the ball back to Zambrano, he tried to slam the ball into his glove but missed. The ball bounced off his palm and fell to the ground. I love the intensity.

It was a good thing Zambrano was sharp because the Cubs only managed two runs. Kosuke gave the Cubs an early lead with a solo home run in the first. In the top of the second it looked like Geovony would add another, but the ball hooked foul. He didn't hook it as much in the fourth inning, hitting is 14th long ball of the year. On the night Soto was three for three.

Bob Howry relieved Big Z in the seventh. In the eighth he gave up Pujols 300th career home run to make it a one run game. Neil Cotts came in to get Ankiel and end the inning.

Woody pitched the ninth without allowing a run. He only allowed one hit, but controversy was plentiful. Troy Glaus led off the inning working the count to 3-1. He headed to first on ball four, but it was called a strike. As much as I am a Cub fan, that ball wasn't a strike. Then he took a pitch only minimally better for strike three. Yadier Molina had a similar pitch, low and away, during his at bat that was called a strike. It was all LaRussa could talk about after the game.

While Soto hit impressively today, Ramirez continued his slump going hitless in four at bats. Jim Edmonds struggled in his return to St. Louis, also going hitless in four at bats, but with a hat trick thrown in.

The Cubs opened their lead in the Central to 3.5 games with this win. If we can get back to back wins for once, we can guarantee a return to Wrigley with no less than that lead.