Morning Box Score: Cubs Bounce Back Against Brewers

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Sep 28, 2008 4:15PM

Ted Lilly proved why he's in the Cubs' postseason rotation as he dominated the Brewers yesterday as the Cubs topped the Brewers 7-3. Lilly gave up one run on two hits while striking out four over six innings. Offensively, the Cubs came to life as Daryle Ward and Fukudome both went deep and Mike Fontenot had three RBIs as a lineup of Cubs back-ups scattered 11 hits.

The win gives the Cubs some much-need momentum as they head into the last game of the season. And while it's good to see the starters getting some rest, we're fans of not letting the guys get too rusty (see: Rockies, Colorado - 2007 Playoffs). Of course, who are we to not trust Sweet Lou? The guy does have a World Series ring as a manager (1990) - and two as a player from his Yankees days - and he's done a great job so far this year. Besides, DeRosa (who's had a career year) and Soto have been a bit banged up and could use the rest.

And we certainly trust the starting rotation he's set for the NLDS. Said Lou, "We're trying to keep as many options open as possible. I feel comfortable with all four starters. I've said that all along. How we slot them, we could've slotted them any way and I would've felt comfortable." So comfortable that he's resting everyone and starting Angel Guzman today.

Speaking of the NLDS, Lou has also set the bullpen for the series. Samardzija, Howry, Marshall, Cotts, and Marmol all made the cut. In fact, it looks like it's Gaudin and Wuertz who won't be in the pen for at least the NLDS, though they could be brought back for the NLCS.

AP photo by Darren Hauck