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Cubs Fri May 27 2011
Bats Help Cubs Take 2 of 3 From Mets
Despite miserable weather at Wrigley yet again, the Cubs took care of business Thursday afternoon against an old rival, beating the New York Mets 9-3 to win the first series of a nine-game homestand.
The conditions suggested it would be a pitchers' duel, but it was anything but that. Just as in Tuesday's 11-1 win, the Cubs put on their hitting shoes. Carlos Pena put them in front for good in the fourth with a two-run homer, and Alfonso Soriano added to the lead with a two-run double in the fifth.
Carlos Zambrano earned his fifth win of the season with six strong innings, only allowing one earned run on six hits. Z has been the most consistent starter on this Cubs staff. Perhaps he has finally turned the corner.
The Cubs (22-26) have shown signs of breaking out of their hitting woes and these two wins -- sandwiched around a 7-4 loss Wednesday -- are prime examples of how good they can be when they hit.
Also, facing a sub.-500 Mets team riddled with injuries doesn't hurt. If they are going to turn this thing around, winning a homestand against the Mets, Pirates and Astros is imperative -- mainly because after that, they head out on the road to face the powerful Cardinals, Reds and Phillies.
It seems like this team has clicked all at once. The starting pitching will be good one week and the offense won't be, or the offense will be there and the bullpen won't. Thursday, everything was there: offense, good starting pitching and a shutdown bullpen.
This team isn't that bad -- sure they've struggled, but they're not out of it by any means. If they can overcome the injuries they've been dealt I think they'll be all right.
This division is by no means decided and if they can take care of business against their NL Central opponents, I see no reason why they can't compete for the division title. I don't know just yet if they have what it takes, but anything can happen. Summer should hopefully be making an appearance soon and maybe the Cubs will heat up with the weather.
