Rudely. That's the only way to properly describe how the Cubs treated the Cincinnati Reds this evening in clubbing their way to a 9-5 victory. With home run power throughout the Reds lineup, ex-Chicagoans Dusty Baker and Corey Patterson in the dugout, and ace pitcher Aaron Harang on the mound, the night promised to be electric. But it was the Cubs who brought the power, with three home runs -- shots by Ryan Theriot and Mark DeRosa, and a MAMMOTH shot by Derrek Lee in the 5th -- to lead the way.

 Normally on a night like this you'd expect the advantage to go to the pitchers. With a 52 degree game-time temperature (trust me; it felt much colder), I'd expected something of a pitchers' due myself. Fortunately though, it was not to be. After waiting a good hour on Clark for a female friend to meet me, cold and in need of a meal, I had barely settled in and made off for food before being treated to a the Mark DeRosa solo HR in the 2nd to give the Cubs an early 2-1 lead.

 That was just the beginning, as neither pitcher had anything to offer tonight. The stat line may suggest that Harang had the tougher go of it, however make no mistake, Dempster was bad. Walking five in 6 IP, and offering up a moonshot to Ken Griffey Jr. in the 3rd. However, Derrek Lee saved him on two occasions --first with the HR in the 5th, and then with a spectacular pick at 1st to start an inning-ending double play in the 7th -- allowing Ryan to get his second victory of the season. Personally, I'm willing to give him a pass tonight, as I know how difficult it can be for pitchers in these cold conditions to get loose and throw strikes. That said however, cutting down on the walks would go a long way toward convincing me -- and the ML clubs looking for pitching -- that Ryan can be a legitimate starting pitcher going forward.

Michael Wuertz, struggling of late with his control, made things interesting in the 9th. First with a home run to Joey Votto, and then a walk. Fortunately Kerry Wood, who had been warming up in the pen before the game broke open in the 8th, came in to shut the door, and give the Cubs the victory.

So congrats again to the Cubs, and as a side note, thank you to the fans. I know that's it's easy to look at Dusty, and for that matter Corey Patterson, and channel much of the anger and frustration that we have through them. However, all in all I found the fans treated them well; or at the very least indifferent. Which is all you can ask. That we didn't lower ourselves personal attacks on them was probably the best moment of the night.

Till tomorrow. Stay classy Chicago.