The Cubs season may be done, but this was nice. Taking four more against the Cardinals, who we’ve actually owned this season, is sort of a consolation prize on a horrible season.
On Thursday, the Cardinals took a 4-2 lead in the third inning. That lead stood until the Cubs rallied for three runs in the sixth inning. Neifi Perez and Juan Pierre both had RBI singles and Michael Barrett gave the Cubs the lead when he reached on Scott Rolen’s throwing error in which Angel Pagan scored. Rich Hill struggled in his start but the bullpen really picked him up. Six relievers combined for 5 2/3 shutout innings to keep the Cubs in the game.
Friday was another come from behind win, and the Cubs got all their offense in one inning. Down 3-0, the Cubs scored six runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. The inning was capped off by a bases loaded clearing triple by Juan Pierre. Carlos Marmol picked up the win despite walking seven batters in 5 1/3 innings. Ryan Dempster picked up save number 19 with a perfect ninth.
Yesterday may have been the last start for Greg Maddux as a Cub, but he made it a good one. Maddux gave up one run on five hits with six strikeouts through six innings. Juan Pierre and Michael Barrett both had two hits and a run in this one and Ryan Dempster picked up save number 20.
The Cubs finished the sweep this afternoon behind a strong outing by Carlos Zambrano. The Cubs gave him five runs to work with in the first two innings and he gave up only two runs on five hits and five walks with five strikeouts through six innings. Ronny Cedneo hit his third homerun of the season and Aramis Ramirez went three for four with a run and an RBI.
Next up is four against the Diamondback at Wrigley Field.
