After the Cubs' collapse yesterday, skipper Lou Piniella lost his composure in his postgame press conference, probably one of many such explosions Cubs fans should brace themselves for in Piniella's tenure. Of course, just like their nature, the Cubs followed that blowup by coming out today and ... wow, they actually won! No kidding!
Rich Hill -- who is convincingly better than Carlos Zambrano at this point -- completed a second excellent start, pitching seven shutout innings and giving up only three hits. The Cubs built their lead in the fifth and seventh innings, and Bob Howry somehow managed not to blow another lead in middle relief. Closer Ryan Dempster sealed the deal in the ninth inning, and just like that, the Cubs put a much-needed win on the board.
At 4-6, things aren't nearly as bad for the Cubs as Piniella's reaction yesterday suggested. Who knows if today's result is more about the Cubs heeding their manager's stern nature, or simply a matter of getting the proverbial bounces ... but if Lou thinks explosions are the best way to manage after losses, it's hard to argue with him today.
