CubsChic

I knew when Johnson hit his grand slam in the 8th inning last night that we’d need those runs. It looked like a blow-out at the time, but Arizona came back with 3 runs of their own in the bottom of the inning — and that was before Marmol was even in the game. To his credit, Marmol only made it slightly exciting, giving up a hit and walking one before getting out of the ninth unscathed. The win was huge, as Milwaukee had already won, putting them only 1/2 game behind us in the standings going into the game. It also prevented a sweep. Winning one of three on the road isn’t going to cut it long term, but it’s better than none of three.

Now that the offense has woken up, with Lee and Ramirez both swinging the bat well and Soriano back in the mix, it’s time to head home for a few games. The Marlins won’t be intimidated by the Cubs’ great home record. The Cubs are going to have to hit and pitch well to stay in first place. It certainly can’t just be the supportive home crowd that spurs the Cubs on to victory at Wrigley, as they have been greeted with great support on the road. Listening to last night’s game, the Cubs fans were out-cheering the Diamondback fans. It’s been that way around the country this season. Maybe that really tics off the opponent and that’s why the Cubs’ road record has been so dismal.