Ward Double Clinches Cubbies' Sweep

Six run seventh ruins strong outing by Arizona rookie

(NEWSER) - Alfonso Soriano had four hits, including a go-ahead double in a six-run seventh inning, and showed some flair on the bases to help the Cubs beat Arizona 7-2. Kosuke Fukudome's first homer since opening day capped the seventh-inning rally as the Cubs won their second straight against the team that swept them in the first round of the playoffs last October. More»

Lily strikes out 10 and drives in tying run

(NEWSER) - Ted Lilly kept his glove on his hand this time. Lilly gave up another homer to Chris Young, but instead of throwing a tantrum the left-hander led the Chicago Cubs over Arizona 3-1 today in the first meeting between the teams since the Diamondbacks' sweep in last year's playoffs. Young homered off Lilly in Game 2 last October during Arizona's 8-4 win, prompting Lilly to slam his glove down. More»

Tribune identifies players who can reverse a midseason swoon

(NEWSER) - Despite a National League-best 53-36 record, all is not well in Wrigleyville, Paul Sullivan writes in the Chicago Tribune. The Cubs need these seven guys to step up and insure that Sweet Lou’s “100-year thing” doesn’t become a 101-year thing:

1. Sean Marshall: Lefty pitcher needs to keep up his current quality to help the team, and stay on it.

Right-hander wins his seventh game as Ojeda drives in 6

(NEWSER) - Brandon Webb became the majors' first seven-game winner, Augie Ojeda drove in a career-high six runs and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the New York Mets 10-4 today. Webb (7-0) matched Randy Johnson in 2000 for the fastest start by a Diamondbacks pitcher. Starting in place of injured second baseman Orlando Hudson, Ojeda entered with two RBIs. More»

Wood blows third save in seven chances after Zambrano's strong start

(NEWSER) - Ryan Braun hit a two-run double off Kerry Wood during Milwaukee's three-run ninth inning and the Brewers rallied to beat the Chicago Cubs 4-3 on Thursday. Wood blew his third save in seven chances and wasted a fine performance by Carlos Zambrano, who pitched 6 1-3 innings and helped himself with his 13th career homer. More»