Webb Spins Diamondbacks Win Over Cubs

Nats torch Phils' Gordon to push to 2-0 ; D'backs top Reds

(NEWSER) - Tony Gwynn Jr.'s 10th-inning sacrifice fly scored Craig Counsell to give Milwaukee a 4-3 win at Wrigley. Kosuke Fukudome, the Cubs' big acquisition this winter, went 3-for-3, including a tying, three-run homer in the ninth off Eric Gagne, reports the Sun-Times. Meanwhile, Kerry Wood failed in his debut as Cubs' closer, allowing three ninth-inning runs and spoiling Carlos Zambrano's scoreless outing. Elsewhere: More»

(NEWSER) - Chicago Cubs brass expects the team to be sold by spring training, the Tribune reports. The chairman of the team, which is in the midst of a century-long title drought, says it is reviewing bids and could have a deal in place by February. Crane Kenney also shot down rumors that Sam Zell's Tribune Company would hold onto to a big part of the team. “Any interest would be a small interest,” he said. More»

Lovable losers are on pace for record 62 home wins

(NEWSER) - Shhh, don't jinx it: The Chicago Cubs not only lead the National League, they're playing better at home than on the road. The lovable losers are 26-8 at Wrigley Field, a record they last held before going to (and losing) the World Series in 1918. Now they're on pace for 62 home wins, a first for the team that some say is cursed. More»

Soto, DeRosa add big flies as well

(NEWSER) - Alfonso Soriano homered in his first two at-bats, Geovany Soto and Mark DeRosa also homered and the surging Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-4 Friday for their seventh win in eight games. Soriano connected on the first pitch from Tom Gorzelanny for his third leadoff homer in four games and launched a three-run shot in the second inning, making it 6-0. More»

(NEWSER) - Backed by Stephen Drew's career-high four hits, Brandon Webb became the major leagues' first nine-game winner when the Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the Colorado Rockies 8-5 last night. Webb (9-0) – who has won his first nine starts - allowed three runs on six hits, walked one and struck out eight. He has now won 11 straight starts dating to last September. More»