7 in a Row...

The Cubs have now beaten the Pittsburgh Pirates in 7 straight showdowns with their fellow Central foes dating back to last season. Rich Hill had MUCH better command over his pitching than he has in his last few starts and picks up his first decision making his record 1-0... Closer, Kerry Wood, picks up the save pitching a 1-2-3 9th inning at the friendly confines of Wrigley Field. Wood now has 4 saves so far as his first year as a closer.

The Pirates managed to get on the board first in the 2nd inning. Later, in the bottom of the third inning, Ryan Theriot, who has really hit well this week, hit a triple with just one out, but the both Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez failed to get him home. In the bottom of the 4th inning, Kosuke Fukudome, easily a Wrigley faithful favorite after just 16 games with the Cubs, hit a leadoff triple, and the Cubs went on to rally for 3 runs.

Carlos Marmol was very dominant in relief pitching striking out the side in the top of the 7th, his only blemish came in the top of the 8th. Pittsburgh's Nate McLouth, hit a solo homer, his third home run of the season (and I didn't mind that much because McLouth is one of the few non-Cubs on my fantasy team).

This continues the streak over the Pirates also for the Cubbies, only winning these ballgames against the Bucs by 1 or 2 runs. Last week they played 9 EXTRA innings against these Pirates, but still managed to win all their games against them last week. Let's hope this streak continues to tomorrow and Sunday.