Going into this weekend's series, the Cubs were in the middle of a tailspin which we thought would surely continue as they hosted the team with the best record in baseball.  Then, as is often the case, the downward spiral righted itself, the Cubs relearned that they have the ability to secure timely hits, and they've rattled off three wins against one of the toughest teams in baseball - the very same team that swept the Cubs last October. 

Today's game was an excellent example of the sort of play the Cubs need to maintain and are fully capable of exhibiting.  They relied on the inexperienced arm of Sean Gallagher - more about him later - and they came from behind twice to win today's game.

Despite the shoddy, cold weather, the hitting was definitely there.  Derrek Lee hooked a short homerun to right field - his tenth of the year - in the 3rd inning, and after the D-Backs grabbed the lead off the erratic arm of the ridiculously crappy Chad Fox, Reed Johnson and Darryl Ward delivered late in the game to put the Cubs ahead for good.

The Cubs walked 6 more times today, while collecting 9 hits, although the only regular to get more than a single hit was Fukudome.  I noticed for the first time today Koss-Kay's translator in the dugout.  He's a chunky Japanese guy with a mustache that would look more fitting on the face of a prepubescent teenage boy.  Not that I'm trying to have fun at his expense - every team needs a mascot, and he's almost perfect for the Cubs.  ...if only he were a little person.

Now, the pitching.  Carlos Zambrano was supposed to duel the Horny Penis ... erm, Randy Johnson ... but the weather had other ideas and both teams went to their backups.  The Cubs' backup was the young Sean Gallagher, a pitcher I think a lot of.  Although the weather almost certainly contributed toward his early success, I was still pleased to see him go four solid innings, striking out 6 in the process.  Then, the fifth inning rolled around, Gallagher remembered that up until today he'd been used as a reliever at the major league level, and he collapsed like an epileptic at a rave.  Upon leaving with the bases loaded, Chad Fox came in wearing a gasoline suit and promptly fueled the fire by walking home two batters.  Thanks, Chad Fox.  We appreciate it.

However, while Gallagher was given credit for the two runs Fox walked home, he still did a decent job.  Lou is currently planning on bringing back Sean Marshall in the near future to be the #5 starter, and that might still be the case, but I wouldn't be opposed to Gallagher getting a few more opportunities.  Once he gets his endurance where it needs to be, he just might be a pleasant surprise.

Aside from Chad "Sux" Fox, the bullpen was solid.  Wuertz, Marmol, and Wood delivered three scoreless, hitless innings, and while I still wouldn't say that Kerry Wood is "on track" to be a great closer, he seems to be doing better than his blown saves tally conveys.

Series Recap: The Cubs have now climbed back into first place by mere percentage points.  Their 22-15 record trumps St. Louis's 23-16 record.  The Cubs still have a ways to go before I become convinced that they are a team of destiny, but a solid three-game thumping of the hated D-Backs cannot be underestimated.  Tomorrow, the Cubs host the Padres.

And Arizona?  

Current Record: 22-15
Standing in the central: 1st place, technically tied with St. Louis
Best possible record: 147-15
On pace for: 96-66
Record necessary for 120 wins: 98-27