Geovany Soto lead the boys in blue as they swept the Pirates to remain undefeated on the road, and for a change they were able to grab the win in the usual nine innings. The Cubs and the Pirates had already played 27 innings over their previous two games and as a result both teams were in need of strong starts from their pitchers in order to save their bullpens. Unfortunately for the Cubs, Rich Hill was only able to make it through the third inning after throwing 72 pitches and allowing 3 first inning runs. Hill did settle down for the second and third, holding the Pirates scoreless after their first inning outburst.
John Leiber, started the fourth inning for the Cubs and picked up the win on the back of a five run sixth inning that included a pair of two run blasts off of the bats of Soto and second baseman Mike Fontenot. Fontenot, was making his first start of the year spelling usual starter Mark DeRosa who is on a seven game hit streak. Derrek Lee also managed to add his fifth and sixth R.B.I. of the season without the benefit of a hit. Kosuke Fukudome also managed to keep his streak of getting on base alive with a sixth inning walk; Fukudome has been on base at least once in every game of the season.
Lieber, saved an already taxed relief corps, going four and a third shut-out innings. Lieber has yet to give up an earned run on the year. Bob Howry, relieved Lieber with one down in the eighth and retired both batters he face. Hopefully, this is a sign that Howery has worked himself back into form after a bad first week. Howry worked two and two thirds innings in Pittsburgh, and allowed only one hit and no runs. Kerry Wood, came in and worked a perfect ninth in a non-save situation. Woods outing is especially encouraging because it came a day after his first career blown save.
Notes and Numbers
W: Lieber (2-1, 0.00 E.R.A.)
L: Morris (0-1, 5.15 E.R.A.)
Most Valuable Cub: Jon Lieber (4.1, 5H, 0R, 1K)
Geovany Soto, went 4-5 with a Home Run and a pair of doubles, he was a triple shy of the cycle. The rookie catcher caught all three games of the series totaling 36 innings over four days. The Cubs, a notoriously impatient team at the plate, have walked 40 times so far this season, making them sixth best in the league. The Cubs are third in the National League in total bases. Both Mark DeRosa and Kosuke Fukudome have reached base in every game they have played this year. Jason Marquis was scheduled to start however he will be pushed back to Sunday with Strep Throat.
Posted by Kenneth Oda 
