I don't know what it is with this generation of Cubs starting pitchers, but they seem to hit better than the old guys. Had Friday's 14-inning game gone on much longer with both benches depleted, Kerry Wood and Carlos Zambrano both have a little pop in their bats, and Zambrano has power from both sides. Sean Marshall's already had a few hits and Mark Prior's hit a few home runs.
It also seems when they're really on their game on the mound, they're more likely to get those hits. Kerry Wood's home runs are more likely when he strikes out a dozen batters. And Zambrano, well, he's having one of those games tonight in Houston.
Zambrano hit a three-run homer in the second, an RBI sacrifice fly in the fourth, and a one-hop rope to Craig Biggio in the fifth.
Through six innings on the mound with an 8-0 lead, he's struck out four, and given up, as they sidestep the issue once you get into the middle innings, "only" a leadoff walk in the fifth.
Nine outs to go. Nothing I haven't seen before. But still, it's nine outs from something no Cub has done since I was a fetus.
A leadoff line drive draws a gasp before it's stabbed by Aramis Ramirez, five unassisted. And a fly out to center. And a check-swing called third strike to end the seventh. Aaaaand breathe. They go to the Cub half of the eighth in Houston...
...updates following...
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