Morning Box Score

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Jul 3, 2009 3:00PM

Derek Lee Beats Brewers
Derek Lee solidified himself as the one Cubs offensive performer worthy of an invitation to the All-Star Game by homering twice and knocking in seven runs as the Cubs raced past the Brewers 9-5. Lee got things started with a three-run homer in the first and was followed up by Jake Fox who hit a solo shot. Mike Cameron hit a two-run shot for the Brewers in the second to cut the Cubs lead in half, but D-Lee responded with a grand slam in the bottom of the fourth as the North Siders blew the game wide-open. Geovanny Soto completed the scoring-only-on-homers night for the Cubs as he belted a solo shot in the fourth as well. Of course, never ones to make things easy, the Cubs pitching staff allowed the Brewers to score runs late, but Lee's offense was enough to pace the team. Ryan Dempster had a good start, allowing four runs (three earned) over 6.2 innings while striking out nine. Aaron Heilman allowed a run in the eighth but the bullpen, which included appearances from Sean Marshall and Carlos Marmol, held the Brewers. Don't look now, but the Cubs are only 2.5 out of first. The two teams tangle again this afternoon at 1:20 p.m. (CSN).

Sox Streak At Six
Excellent pitching and timely hitting pushed the Sox past the Kansas City Royals 4-1 last night. Mark Buehrle pitched 8.1 innings allowing only run and scattering six hits in a sterling performance from the mound. The Sox offense backed up the performance, too. Jayson Nix homered in the fourth to get the Sox on the board and the Sox then added a run in each of the last three innings to extend the lead. Bobby Jenks pitched the last 0.2 innings for his 19th save. With a Detroit off night, the White Sox are, like their North Side counter-parts, now just 2.5 games out of first. Game two of the series is tonight at 7:10 p.m. (CSN).