Everybody hits, Cubs cruise to 11-3 win over D-Backs

The Cubs hit on Tuesday night, in fact everybody in the starting lineup got at least one hit. But Tuesday night was the Carlos Zambrano show. At the plate he was 3-4 2B, HR, 2RBIs and was a 3B away from the cycle. On the mound he was dominant: 7IP, 8H, 3ER. Lou Piniella probably left him out there a little too long as Zambrano gave up two runs on 3 hits in the 7th inning and appeared to be tired (he threw 111 pitches). The only reason Lou left him in was so he could have a chance to hit for the cycle in the 8th inning. This was exactly the kind of outing the Cubs needed from Zambrano, hopefully he can keep this up, and at least for last night, it appeared to re-energize the whole team.

Offensively, the Cubs were as good as they have been all season. Alfonso Soriano got things started with a 3-R HR in the 3rd inning, his 7th of the season. If he stays healthy he looks like an early MVP candidate. Mike Fontenot added a 2-R HR in the 4th, his second HR in two days. This was good to see, Fontenot had been slumping a little bit lately, and struggling in the field (at 3rd). It is assuring to know that he doesn't allow his struggles in the field affect his hitting. I have been saying Lou needs to rest Geovany Soto for over a week now and he finally did. Last night he started backup Koyie Hill and got great results: 3-5 2R, RBI, Hill is now hitting .370 on the year. I'm not saying Lou should bench Soto, but Soto has looked awful so far, and maybe Lou should consider starting Hill one out of every five games. Since he had so much success with Zambrano, maybe Lou should make Hill Z's personal catcher? Even Milton Bradley played well last night, he went 2-4, BB, R. Say what you will about Bradley, but he gets on base. Also, apparently he is a better right-handed hitter, than left-handed hitter. Last night he raised his average up to triple digits, .107.

Hopefully the Cubs' bats can stay hot, they wrap up their series with the Diamondbacks this afternoon at 2:40pm. Ryan Dempster goes to the mound for the Cubs. He has been unimpressive so far this season and today I'm expecting a great (not good) start out of him, its time to start earning that new contract! Lefty Doug Davis goes for the D-Backs. The Cubs have faced only one lefty starter so far this season, so lets see how they do. Look for Bradley batting from the right side, apparently this is his true power side. Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Marmol could play today as well.