 Top Story: Zambrano opens in desert
"Any time you have Randy Johnson starting off the series, you better be ready," Cubs manager Dusty Baker said. The Big Unit is tough on the Cubs. He has never lost to them and has struck out 128 over 88 2/3 innings. "I guess the law of averages is on our side," Baker said. "I believe in the law of averages." The Cubs will counter with Carlos Zambrano, followed by Sergio Mitre on Tuesday and Greg Maddux on Wednesday in the three-game series. In Zambrano's only start last year against the D-Backs on Aug. 22, he flirted with a no-hitter and threw a three-hit complete game. The Cubs have won six in a row, and the starting pitchers have notched wins in all six. "I see guys who are good getting better," Cubs catcher Michael Barrett said of the starters. "Kerry Wood's getting better, (Matt) Clement's getting better, Mitre's getting better, Zambrano's getting stronger and better. Every single one of them. That's awesome." Pitching Matchup
1-0, 1.00 ERA vs. ARI in 2003 #1-1, 1.80 ERA vs. ARI lifetime ARI: LHP Randy Johnson 1-2, 4.08 ERA in 2004 Did not face CHI in 2003 11-0, 2.13 ERA vs. CHI lifetime Players to watch Aramis Ramirez is 19-for-45 in his last 11 games with three doubles, a triple, six homers and 18 RBIs. He's also played well at third and Baker credited him for improving his defensive skills. Quotable "I thought we got spoiled with it at the end of last year but they seem to have picked up early this year. It definitely gets your blood flowing. They're going from the first inning on." -- Cubs pitcher Joe Borowski on the fans at Wrigley Field On television CHI: WCIU/ESPN ARI: KTVK On radio CHI: WGN 720 AM ARI: KTAR 620 AM Quick hits Moises Alou is 7-for-11 lifetime against Johnson, while Alex Gonzalez is 5-for-19, Derrek Lee is 4-for-20, Corey Patterson 0-for-4, and Sammy Sosa is 12-for-49 with four homers and has struck out 23 times. ... The Cubs' six-game winning streak is their longest since they won a half dozen games last Sept. 3-9. ... The weekend sweep against the Mets was the Cubs' first since last Sept. 5-7 when they took three against Milwaukee. ... Borowski is 4-for-4 in save situations. On deck Tuesday at Arizona Diamondbacks, 8:35 p.m. CT Wednesday at Arizona Diamondbacks, 8:35 p.m. CT Thursday: Off day Friday at St. Louis, 7:10 p.m. CT Saturday at St. Louis, 6:15 p.m. CT Sunday at St. Louis, 1:15 p.m. CT Monday at St. Louis, 12:10 p.m. CT Carrie Muskat is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs. |
