2007: May 8-10 Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

[JoseA]

Tuesday, May 8th 2007
At Wrigley Field
7:05 Central

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Ian Snell vs. Ted Lilly
2-2 - Record - 2-2
2.31 -- ERA -- 2.82

[JoseA]

The surging Chicago Cubs look to extend their season-high winning streak to six games Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field.

The Cubs' run began when they won the final two games of a three-game set in Pittsburgh (13-17) before returning home and sweeping Washington last weekend. The Cubs (15-14) have won eight of nine overall and are over .500 for the first time since the fifth game of the season.

All three wins over the lowly Nationals were decided by one or two runs, including a 4-3 victory in 10 innings Sunday. The Cubs entered the series with a 2-8 mark in such games.

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[JoseA]

We have been playing great lately. For once we are starting to get some wins.

Sorry for me not starting a game thread last series, I had some personal problems that had to be addressed.

[JoseA]

Cubs' early lead wiped out by late rally

Soriano hits safely in career-high 16th consecutive game

CHICAGO -- Where shall we start?

How about the first inning, when Alfonso Soriano got to third, but hesitated instead of trying to score on Derrek Lee's fly ball. Or the eighth when the Cubs had the bases loaded and one out, but Jacque Jones hit a sharp grounder to Pittsburgh first baseman Adam LaRoche, who threw home for the double play.

The end result was a bizarre four-hour, 39-minute game in which the Cubs stranded 10, went 3-for-13 with runners in scoring position, made three errors, several brain cramps and lost, 4-3, to the Pirates in 15 innings.

Recap

[JoseA]

[JoseA]

Marquis tosses brilliant three-hitter

Righty gets first complete game since '05; Soriano goes deep

CHICAGO -- Jason Marquis gave the Cubs exactly what they needed Wednesday night.

Alfonso Soriano hit his 34th career leadoff homer to back Marquis' three-hit shutout and lift the Cubs to a 1-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

"What perfect timing for a complete-game shutout," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. "He really pitched well. He was throwing just as hard in the ninth as he was when he started the ballgame. It was an outstanding effort. We needed it. Our bullpen was really spent."

Recap

[JoseA]

Zambrano shaky as Cubs drop series

Ace's first-inning struggles continue in homestand finale

CHICAGO -- Nearly everyone has an opinion as to why Carlos Zambrano is struggling, including Cubs manager Lou Piniella.

Zambrano fell behind early as Jason Bay hit a two-run double to key a three-run first inning and added a solo homer in the Pirates' 6-4 victory Thursday over the Cubs.

Piniella talked to catcher Henry Blanco after the game, and they discussed some mechanical tweaks that Zambrano may need to make.

Recap