New day. Same result. The Cubs went out and proved once more that Wrigley is a very friendly confine for the team this year. Down early yet again against the Rockies and one-time Cub Glendon Rusch, they come back yet again, and win 5-4 Saturday afternoon.

The last time most of us checked in on Glendon Rusch was during a very forgettable 2006 season. Diagnosed with a bloot clot in his right lung, he was forced to retire, effectively ending his baseball career at 33. Or so we thought. Released by doctors to resume baseball play last August, he latched on with the San Diego Padres, before being released a few weeks ago. The Rockies then signed him hoping...well, I'm not sure what they were hoping to get. Congratulations to Glendon on his return. And I mean that sincerely. I'm just not certain that I see the point..

Case in point was yesterday's game, with him surrendering five runs in 4 2/3 innings of work. That included a Alfonso Soriano two-run homer to key the three-run 3rd inning, and a pair of RBI in the 3rd and 4th innings; first on a Geovany Soto double in the 3rd, and a Soriano single in the 4th. It was an ugly effort that's sure to leave you wondering if he isn't better served in AAA getting his control and arm strength back. Fortunately for us, the Rockies pitching staff is so depleted after their shelling by the Phillies last week that they were forced to go to him for a start. We'll take it.

And welcome back Neal Cotts, making his first appearance since being recalled from AAA Iowa. He performed admirably, giving a good scoreless inning of work in relief of starter Ryan Dempster, who picked up his 7th win of the season. It was not one of his better days, giving up three runs in five innings. It happens. My only beef with Ryan is...QUIT WALKING BATTERS!! It's my only gripe in what has been an All-Star worthy season to date. The walks are going to be your undoing. Stop it.

But what should have been an uneventful Cubs win got very interesting in the 9th. Up 5-3 entering the inning, and with Kerry Wood unavailable, Carlos Marmol came out to attempt to get the save. First, he gave up a long fly ball to right field that Fukudome had to make a fantastic leaping grab for. Then giving up a solo home run to Scott Podsednik -- I know; really? -- to close the gap to 5-4. But with two out, and the meat of the Rockies lineup coming up, Carlos struck out Willy Taveras to end the game.

And so we have it. The Cubs: winners of six in a row, NL Central leaders by 2 1/2 games, holders of the best record in baseball, now go for the series and homestand sweep this afternoon in a 1:20 start. Let's go Cubs.