Article:Edmonds, Cubs Overcome Early Deficit

Jim Edmonds is making it harder for Cubs fans to hate him.

In Thursday's win against the Braves, Edmonds played hero, nearly single handedly helping the Cubs recover from a two run deficit. Edmonds hit a sacrifice fly in the 7th, then hit a solo shot in the 9th to send the game to extra innings.

The Braves bullpen continues to struggle, blowing another late and ultimately losing the game in the 11th inning as Jeff Ridgway hit Cubs pinch hitter Reed Johnson with the bases loaded.

Carlos Zambrano pitched 7 plus innings for the Cubs, giving up 8 hits, 3 walks, and two earned runs.

Tim Hudson had a solid start for the Braves, giving up 7 hits, 1 walk, and 1 earned run.

Where the Braves bullpen struggled, the Cubs bullpen excelled. The Cubs were able to get out of several sticking situations unscathed.

In the 7th inning, Zambrano walked Mark Texiera on 4 pitches and was pulled for the game. Scott Eyre was then called in to replace Zambrano. Eyre gave up a double to Brian McCann, and then intentionally walked Jeff Francoeur to load the bases. Eyre then struck out the next to batters before being pulled in favor of Scott Marmol, who struck out pinch hitter Omar Infante. Eyre set a new club record with his 32nd straight appearance without giving up a run, passing Ryan Dempster's record of 31 set in 2006. The win gives the Cubs the sweep in the series, moving them to 43-24, and gives them a 3 game lead over the Pujols-less Cardinals. The sweep gives the Braves their 6th straight loss and were swept for the second straight series. The loss moves the Braves to 32-35, seven games behind the Phillies. Kerry Wood got the win for the Cubs. Manny Acosta got the loss for the Braves.