=== Chicago Cubs Team Report - June 18 === (My Sportsbook) - Sammy Sosa will make his return to the lineup this evening when the Cubs tangle with the Cincinnati Reds in the third of their four-game set at Great American Ball Park. Sosa missed seven straight games after being suspended for using a corked bat. During the slugger's absence, the Cubs tallied a 3-4 record. Despite their struggles, the Cubs still own a 1/2-game lead in the Central. Moises Alou had two hits and a walk and Corey Patterson recorded his team- leading 49th RBI for the Cubs, who lost for the fourth time in six games on Tuesday. Cubs' starter Carlos Zambrano continued his mastery of the Reds, holding Cincinnati's offensive juggernaut to one run on four hits and four walks, striking out seven in eight innings. The 22-year-old righthander has dominated the Reds in his young career, posting a 0.69 ERA. Reliever Mike Remlinger (4-1) took the loss for the Cubs, striking out two while allowing a walk and no hits in 1 1/3 innings. Todd Wellemeyer gave up the winning hit. Chicago will send ace flame thrower Kerry Wood to the hill this evening. Wood has lost four of his last five starts, including a loss to Toronto last week. The righty surrendered seven hits and five runs over six innings, while fanning eight and walking two. Wood is 1-0 with a 4.85 ERA in a pair of contests against the Reds this season. For his lifetime, Wood has registered an impressive 8-2 mark with a 2.75 ERA versus Cincy. The Cubs still own a 5-4 advantage in this series in 2003, including wins in four of the last five. |
