8/31/08 vs. Phillies; L 3-5; (85-52)

For the first time since July 26th, Chicago lost two in a row. In between, they went 25-6. It was an impressive run, but the Phillies put an end to it. For the second day in a row, Jason Werth hit a home run. For the second day in a row, Chicago got eleven hits...all of them singles. For the second day in a row, the W flag didn't fly and GO CUBS GO didn't resonate from the Wrigley Field PA system.

Carlos Zambrano was held out of the game to rest his arm. He'll now go Tuesday against the Astros. Sean Marshall pitched in his spot. It also bumps Harden back in the rotation to give him a couple extra days rest as well.

Marshall did his job giving the rotation a break, for the second straight time he has been asked to spot start, Chicago lost. Today he gave up three in the first inning, and Chicago never recovered.

Chicago finished August 20-8, their best month not only this year but since 1984. Now the crucial month of September is upon us. Crucial because the 1969 team entered the month with a record of 83-52. They went 9-18 in September to lose the pennant. The 1945 team entered at 76-46 and then won 22 more games.

What will happen to the 2008 version. So far, SHOW's prediction of 98 wins is dead on. He called a 5-2 week against the Pennsylvania teams and was perfect. I like his odds for the rest of the year.