Ah, Kerry Wood, you inflame the loins of many Cubs fans everywhere.  But let's start from the beginning.

I didn't realize until today that the Cubs have resurrected the blue "softball" uniforms which drive so many old school Cub fans insane.  Me, I love them, if only because they are similar to the old blue road jerseys of the late 80's, which I always thought were the coolest uniforms ever.  Carlos loves them too, and we can expect the Cubs to trot out to the field in them at least 30 more times this year, in all likelihood.  And would you tell Carlos he's wrong?  To his face?

See, I didn't think so.

The Cubs started this game in an unusual way - with the lead.  How did this happen, you ask?  Well, Houston tried to score in the top of the first, believe me they did, but Alfonso Soriano gunned out Michael Bourn at home plate to end that threat and the inning.  Damn, that Soriano.  He's got an arm on him.  Anyway, thanks to that mad defensive play, the Cubs scored the first run of the contest in the 2nd inning when Carlos Zambrano tried valiantly to blow a bases-loaded opportunity by grounding into a double play.  But don't worry, kids, a run still scored and, while the Big Moose almost lost control of his temper in a later plate appearance, no blood was shed and no bats were broken by Carlos today.

Houston immediately answered the Cubs by scoring a run in the top of the third, although it was a chickensh-wait, can't use the word "chicken" when writing about the Cubs.  People get mad.  Regardless, Carlos almost got out of the inning unscathed.  Later, in the 5th, Alfonso Soriano did something that collectively shocked Cubs fans everywhere - he hit a homerun.  In early April.  I know, I know, it sounds like crazy talk, but it happened.  In fact, Soriano raised his seasonal batting average by more than 30 points today, from .045 to . 077.  That's our leadoff man, folks.  No wonder why Rob's lustrous head of hair is finally going grey.

Two innings later, it got interesting.  The Big Moose - who has had his greatest start ever, so far - gave up a long-ball to Tejada, who, as I predicted, brought his injectin' stick to this series.  Then, in the bottom of the 7th, Derrek Lee hit the homerun that would make all the difference in the game.  It's nice, if rare, when your money players earn their checks, and Derrek has been doing that early in this 2008 campaign.  Kerry Wood then finished the game in the 9th by fanning two of the three batters he faced, including the previously dangerous Tejada.  

So, what does it all mean?  For starters, Derrek Lee is awesome.  I'm not sure if you knew that 'til just now.  Second, the offense remains meh-ish at best, although the Cubs have been getting big hits when they've needed them.  Third, the bullpen mostly looks good, and Carlos in particular looks great.  And, fourth, Kerry Wood is uber clutch.

On 13 pitches, 10 of which were strikes, Kerry eliminated Erstad, Lee, and Tejada, and he made it look easy.  He is 3 for 3 in saves, and if he remains healthy, he's going to be a huge asset out there.  Thus, with a warm heart, I am pleased to say ...

Series Recap: The Cubs have won their first series of the season and now improve to 3-3 on the year.  They're going to have to do better than that, but taking 2 of 3 from Houston is never something to be unhappy about.  In particular, the Cubs won both games after the 7th inning, and if they can do that all year, then we have something to look forward to.

Current Record: 3-3
Standing in the central: Tied for 4th place, 2 games back
Best possible record: 159-3
On pace for: 81-81
Winning percentage needed for 120: .750

Tomorrow, the Cubs go on the road to Pittsburgh.  We will have the preview for you at some point before the first pitch is tossed.