Soriano finds higher gear
CUBS 7, D-BACKS 2 | Goes 4-for-5 with two runs scored, go-ahead double in six-run seventh
Yes, that was a hesitant Alfonso Soriano rounding third base and coming home in the seventh inning Saturday at Wrigley Field. But it wasn't because the Cubs outfielder's right calf was hurting again.
''It's more I'm scared because I was running a lot today and it was a little cold out,'' Soriano said. ''I think I'm OK. I have to play a little more and feel confident about my leg.''
(Scott Stewart/Sun-Times)
PHOTO GALLERY
Cubs 7, Diamondbacks 2
So what is Twitter?
Twitter is a free social networking service that allows readers like you to receive updates (or "tweets") from Gordon all day long via our Web site. Check back all-day long as Gordon updates you on the latest Cubs news -- from the game and practice to on the road and from the locker room. You can also get updates sent right to your phone or IM whenever Gordon has news to share -- for free.
He'll have good reason to feel very confident after his best game of the season at the plate -- and over the plate. Soriano went 4-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored in the Cubs' 7-2 victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The result gave the Cubs their first series victory since they swept the New York Mets on April 21-22.
But the outcome seemed to count for more:
• • In positioning themselves for a sweep today, the Cubs have played two solid games against the team with the best record in the National League.
''We always say it's early, but these games count as much as down the stretch,'' Cubs starter Ryan Dempster said. ''They're a great team, and you have to try to take advantage as much as you can.''
• • The Cubs stayed close against Diamondbacks rookie Max Scherzer, then broke out with a decisive six-run seventh against the bullpen. Losing pitcher Chad Qualls (0-4) was charged with four runs in a third of an inning after entering the game with a 0.93 ERA.
• • The Cubs' bullpen didn't give up a run in the last three innings after holding the Diamondbacks without a run in the final two innings Friday. Overall, the Cubs have limited the Diamondbacks -- the highest scoring team in the majors -- to three runs in two games.
Still, manager Lou Piniella and the largest crowd of the season (41,597) might have been happiest about Soriano.
''He's been swinging the bat better, and today he got a couple of bloopers and then lined a couple in the gap,'' Piniella said.
Soriano stroked three singles, then doubled home the go-ahead run in the Cubs' six-run seventh.
''That was one of the better offensive innings we've had,'' Piniella said.
By then, Soriano already had been at the center of the action. His two-out single in the third turned into the first run of the game after Diamondbacks right fielder Justin Upton fumbled Ryan Theriot's single. Soriano broke for home when the throw went into second base and scored when catcher Chris Snyder couldn't hang on to the relay from Augie Ojeda.
The play at the plate in the seventh looked even scarier, as Soriano seemed to be running gingerly from second to third and then toward home on another single by Theriot. He was safe again.
''Having it happen twice today, I don't like close plays at home,'' he said. ''But I was safe both times, and that's important for me and the team. Sometimes you think too much, and you think about your leg and the cold weather shutting you down. But I like to be aggressive at the plate and on the bases.
''I'm glad to have a big day, but it's more important we won this game. It was a close game, and we came back and won.''
Having their struggling leadoff man be a big part of it was important to the rest of the Cubs.
''We know when we're struggling as players, and we get reminded of that enough,'' Dempster said. ''So it's nice to see him break out in a big way. It gives you confidence. This game is built around confidence. It won't guarantee tomorrow, but it's a step in the right direction.
''We've won a series now. We had a terrible road trip [2-4], and we're better than that. We have a chance to sweep the series with the right guy [Carlos Zambrano] on the mound.''
