Lilly Shows Us How It's Done

(AP Photo/George Widman)

Ted Lilly comes in and throws a gem against the Philadelphia Phillies, just what the Chicago Cubs needed to stop the three game skid. Not only does he come out and hold down the Phil's to just one run and three hits, but he hangs in there for 8.0 innings, allowing a much needed rest for the boys in the pen. Then, the reincarnation of a true stopper, Ryan Dempster, comes in and shuts 'em down once again with a shutout, one-hit ninth to shut the door and keep the Cubbies in the second slot in the NL Central.

Matt Murton comes in and throws down a 3-5 day with the pink bat, raising his average to .301 and his OBP to .354 on the young season. He did get hosed at home by the suddenly resurgent Pat Burrell, but the Cubs will take the 4-1 win anytime. How about Cesar Izturis? Where'd he find the stick at? Maybe Sweet Lou was threatening to put it somewhere he'd rather not like it and he figured he'd start slapping the ball around. He went 3-4 with a run scored and a RBI, raising his BA to .269 and OBP to .337, his best numbers since his career year in '04. In May, he's chiming in with a .393/.452/.464 with only one K. What? Hey, whatever he's doing, keep doing it. Gotta like that kind of unexpected production out of the SS, especially on the Northside. I know, I know, he'll come down to earth soon enough, but I'm enjoying it while it lasts.

So, tonight, it's Jason Marquis (5-1, 1.70 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 24K/13BB) up against Tom Glavine (4-1, 2.98 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 27K/14BB). It's so hot, it's going to be the Monday Night Baseball game tonight on ESPN HD. Sweet. I'm ready. Let's hope the Cubs come out hitting and run over the hated Mets. I'd hate to see 'em get stomped on National TV. Not like it'd be the first time. Or the last. Come on, boys, Let's Get Some Runs!! Southpaw Glavine on the hill means Murton will get another start. Make it count, Red.

Go Cubs!

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