=== Chicago Cubs Team Report - July 19 ===

(My Sportsbook) - If the Chicago Cubs are to make a run at the National League Central Division title, they'll have to do it without beating the St. Louis Cardinals down the stretch.

The two teams start a two-game series tonight at Wrigley Field. Incredibly though, this will mark the final series between these two NL Central rivals this season. The Cardinals lead this year's matchup, 9-8, having won two of three meetings just prior to the All-Star break.

Because of the quirky schedule, it's imperative for the Cubs to sweep this series since they are already eight games behind the Cardinals in the division.

Carlos Zambrano heads to the mound tonight for the Cubs. He is coming off a loss at Milwaukee on July 7 when he allowed eight hits and four runs in 5 2/3 innings, certainly not an All-Star performance from a righthander who appeared in his first All-Star Game this year.

On the positive side, Zambrano has pitched well against the Cardinals this year, sporting a 1-0 mark in two starts with a 1.20 ERA. However, for his career, Zambrano is only 1-3 in eight games (7 starts) versus St. Louis. He is also 6-0 with a 1.41 ERA in seven home starts this year.

The Cubs were 4-2 loser at home to the Milwaukee Brewers yesterday. Chicago split the four-game series. Cubs starter Kerry Wood, making his second start after a triceps injury led to an extended stay on the disabled list, threw six solid innings but left with a no decision. He allowed one run on four hits and three walks with eight strikeouts.

Sammy Sosa had a rough day in the outfield, as a pair of miscues led to two Milwaukee runs. He had a chance to make amends in the eighth when he represented the tying run at the plate, but grounded out.

Third baseman Aramis Ramirez returned from an 11-game absence, but his 0-for-3 performance did little to help the Cubs offense. He was robbed of an extra- base hit in the sixth inning by Geoff Jenkins' great catch against the ivy in left field. Jenkins then quickly threw the ball back into the infield to get Moises Alou for a crucial double play.

Derrek Lee and Jose Macias hit solo homers for the Cubs.

The Cubs are expected to get shortstop Alex Gonzalez back today. He's been on the disabled list for more than two months with a fractured right wrist.