Jason Marquis threw seven shutout innings, and the Cubs scored two runs in the seventh to beat the Pirates 2-0 Thursday afternoon at PNC Park.

Many people who saw the game this afternoon will probably tell you that this was the best outing of the season for Marquis. Personally, I think his June 8th start against the Dodgers -- a more potent and veteran lineup by comparison -- ranks as his best, but this was a very, very good performance. Minus a Freddie Sanchez triple that rolled past a diving Mark DeRosa in the fourth, and yet another error by Alfonso Soriano in the first allowing Jack Wilson to reach base, Jason didn't allow another hitter past second. He walked none today, and even helped his own cause with a single in the fifth. It was great stuff, and really a continuation of his good performance last week against the Nationals -- no, the loss was not his fault. Jason mentioned in an interview earlier this month that he'd been working with a sports psychologist for the last year or so to help deal with his late-season struggles, which he acknowledges are likely more mental than anything else. The results are encouraging, because he's been worlds better, and even an average Marquis in September is an absolutely huge boost for the Cubs. Let's hope that his success continues.

The best part of this game though was the seventh inning, when the Cubs scored their only two runs. I've been angry with manager Lou Piniella a number of times this season for letting hitters do their own thing at the plate at times to the point of insanity. Today though, he really flipped the script. First, Ronny Cedeno scores Reed Johnson on a RBI-groundout, for a 1-0 lead. Then, with Mark DeRosa on third, Henry Blanco lays down a suicide squeeze that took everyone by surprise. Johnson scored, and Blanco was barely out at first on the play. That was more than enough for Carlos Marmol and Kerry Wood to sew things up from there.

So, the Cubs finish with a perfect road trip, a three-game sweep, and a 14-4 record against the Pirates for the season. I couldn't be happier. Playing bad teams when you're contending is like a trip to the dentist; an obligation that is required, but it doesn't really do much to make you better in the grand scheme. I'm looking forward to seeing the Cubs against stronger opponents, smoothing out their rough spots, and getting themselves in playoff shape against the best in the league.

And by the way...has anyone heard from Chad Gaudin since last week? I hope there isn't a new member of Lou's doghouse.