For the second time this season, the Cubs have swept the Pirates. They didn't need extra innings this time, however. The Cubs pounded on Pirates pitching with 26 runs on 30 hits the past two days, and everyone was clicking on all cylinders. Derrek Lee now has a team leading 7 homers and 17 RBI's, while a total of six Cubs regulars are batting over .300 on the season. Reed Johnson and Ryan Theriot handled the top of the order again today, going a combined 6-10 with 6 runs scored. The middle of the order saw D-Lee with 2-4 performance, including 2 RBI and 2 runs, while Aramis Ramirez went 4-5 today with a HR and 4 RBI. Geovany Soto continued to perform well, going 2-2 with 2 BB and 2 runs, while Ronny Cedeño got the start at second going 2-5 with 2 runs and a RBI. Once again today, the hits just kept coming as Wrigley was rocking. The Cubs, at the very least, are building up some confidence for the tougher teams they will be facing soon; and at this pace they look like a force to be reckoned with. With Lee and Ramirez regaining their form as the mashers in the middle, Johnson and Theriot continuing to hit at the top, and Fukudome, Soto, and DeRosa providing stellar play in the rest of the lineup--this is looking like one of the most potent offenses in baseball...oh, and by the way, Soriano is coming back soon.
Quick Stats:
-Cubs hitters batting over .300: Lee(.364), Johnson(.354), Cedeño(.350), Theriot(.338), Blanco(.333), Soto(.328), DeRosa(.317), Fukudome(.317)
-The Cubs are being patient at the plate; especially Fukudome (.442 OBP, 14 BB) and Soto (.437 OBP, 12 BB)
DG Sports Update:
As for other news in the world of sports, let's go around the horn...
NHL: Wings, Avs, Pens, Rangers, and Stars advance. Habs/Bruins and Sharks/Flames go to Gm.7, while Flyers/Caps go to Gm. 6 tomorrow night, 6 pm CT.
NBA: Lakers, Celtics, Hornets, 76ers, Spurs, Magic, Jazz, and Cavs take Gm. Ones in NBA Playoffs, should be a fun month of ballin' (and hockey, too!)
Golf: Tiger had arthroscopic left knee surgery to remove cartilage 2 days after Masters...he'll rehab for 4-6 weeks and should be ready for the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines.
Quote of the Day: paraphrased from Stu Scott on SportsCenter...when Dustin Pedroia scored a game winning run in Boston's come from behind win over Texas on Sunday night, he went into the clubhouse, and..."Manny came up to me and gave me a hug...but then again, Manny hugs me everyday so I don't really know what to think about it!"
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