Less than a week ago, the Cubs were in the middle of an awful stretch, having lost had nine of their last 13 games. This culminated in the 9-0 loss to the Red -- potentially the worst team in the N.L. -- that was without question the worst loss of the season. Well, they've apparently put the car back on the gravel part of the road, using a six-run 7th inning to beat the Diamondback 7-2 yesterday. That's the second win in a row over baseball's best, and hopefully the beginning of a very long win streak.

It's nice to see the Cubs are not the only team with bullpen meltdowns. The Diamondback sailed along thru six on the strength of rookie Max Scherzer, who did what most new pitchers seem to do against the Cubs; stifle and baffle them. We can discuss this another day, but the Cubs advance scouting seems to consistently be a few steps behind. Or are Cubs players just not paying attention? Regardless, we do know Chad Qualls, who entered the game in relief to start the 7th. I suspect that someone forgot to mention to Bob Melvin that Qualls is sporting a nifty 7.90 ERA at Wrigley, and it didn't take long for him to get true to form. After a one-out Daryle Ward single scored Mark DeRosa to tie the game, things officially got out of control. After a wild pitch allowed pinch runner Jason Marquis to take second, Alfonso Soriano whacks an RBI-double to score him, followed by a Ryan Theriot RBI-single to keep the runs coming. And so with Qualls having been chased from the game, Brandon Medders enters, and does get Derrek Lee to ground-out. However, he couldn't get the next two hitters, and Ramirez hits a RBI-single to center, and Fukudome smack his second home run of the season to put this game away.

Kosuke is now hitting a very fine .321/.416/.473; interesting stats -- especially the SLG -- for a man who hits so few home runs, but it's great to see that he's adjusting to the league, and staying consistent, even as pitchers are beginning to adjust to him

There were a few nice things to see yesterday, besides the big 7th. Alfonso Soriano going 4-5, to raise his average over the Medoza line, and running the bases with a speed and abandon that reminded many why he's considered a difference maker in the lead-off spot. Scott Eyre, back from the DL, pitching an inning of solid relief to pick up the win. And Ryan Dempster, who seems destined to not only make me eat my words, but say "Thank You" for the right to. Another solid outing, walking three (still too many Ryan), and striking out seven.

And I'd be remiss is I didn't mention Greg Maddux finally getting that elusive 350th win last night. Congratulations Greg. You are the finest of your generation, and I thank you for the memories that you've given Cubdom -- and all baseball fans -- over the years.