I'm not certain that I wouldn't have preferred another blowout. After scuffling all afternoon long to pluck a much-needed win out of this White Sox series, Carlos Marmol allows a game-winning home run to Carlos Quentin in the 7th inning, sending the Cubs to a 6-5 loss at US Cellular. This leave the Cubs losing streak at three; only the second time this season that they've lost three games or more.

First, let me say that I've heard much recently about Derrek Lee being off this year. I really haven't agreed, and I hope that his five hit days yesterday -- single handedly keeping the Cubs in the game -- quiets some of the skeptics. I'll grant you that his career high -- and league leading -- 19 double-play balls this season have been something of a concern. However, I call that age. And perhaps a slight tendency to succumb to pulling the outside pitch too much. As of this morning Derrek is hitting a robust .298/.359/.509, and on pace for a 30 home run. 100-RBI season. I should be so wrong.

But the real story of the day was pitching, or shall I say lack thereof. Considered a strength of the Cubs at the beginning of the season -- if only for the surplus -- it has faded over the last two weeks, both in starting pitching, and relief. Starter Sean Gallagher was shaky from the offset yesterday -- even after being spotted a 2-0 1st-inning lead -- and stayed that way through much of his six innings of work. To his credit, he was able to settle down a bit after what looked to be a very animated, and likely profanity-filled conversation with Lou Piniella on the mound in the 2nd inning. No one will say exactly what was said, but we did get this quotable from Gallagher after the game:

"He wanted to light a fire under my butt, be [ticked] off and get me focused on the task at hand. He wanted to get what was on his mind across to me. It worked out well."

Oh boy. Unfortunately before that, the Sox knocked him around pretty good. They went up 3-2 in the first on a Joe Crede RBI single, and a two-run home run by Jermaine Dye, then added to that with a Orlando Cabrera RBI double in the 2nd before Gallagher finally calmed down. Now, I've had a number of chances to watch Sean this season, and have to sat that composure, concentration, and minimizing the damage of big innings is probably his biggest challenge right now. He's going to be a good pitcher, but he'll need to figure out how to more pitcher and less thrower very soon. 

The Cubs were able to temporarily retake the lead in the 4th, with three runs from a Mark DeRosa single and Derrek Lee two-run double. However, the Sox wouldn't go away, and tied the game in the bottom of the inning on an Alexei Ramirez home run to center. Which brings us to Carlos Marmol, who upon entering the game in the seventh, promptly serves up that Quentin home run to give the Sox the lead for good, and the victory. Even if you take away the June 19th debacle in Tampa, Marmol still has a Novoa-esque 4.50 ERA over the last week. Temporary setback? Perhaps. However, it has to be a cause for concern, with the middle relief situation shaky, and Scott Eyre on the DL with that groin strain.

Sigh. I've think I'm just about over inter-league play right about now. Let's get this win tonight, and get out to San Francisco. And if you want some good news to tide you over, according to Lou Piniella:

Reed Johnson should be back by Thursday.

Carlos Zambrano is expected to return by next weekend, and pitch in what is looking to be a huge Cardinals series.

Alfonso Soriano should be back by next week.

And the best news of all, Eric Patterson in the outfield is likely over; at least for now.

It's going to be okay.