Filed:September 10th, 2008

Just get it. And that about sums up my impression of last night's sorely-needed 4-3 win over the Cardinals. Ted Lilly, again proving to be something of a blessing, picked up his 14th win, going eight innings of one-run ball. Actually, in reading the post-game interviews, I think Alfonso Soriano said it best:

"We were struggling to win. This was huge for us. We had a little frustration, but with the win tonight, everybody can come tomorrow a little more relaxed."

If you can look past the Cubs desire to yet again give a game away in the ninth, there were a few encouraging signs last night. Ted Lilly really was that good; wearing out the Cardinals with off-speed pitches, and still looking fresh enough to go the full nine if needed. He finished with 90 pitches over his eight innings. Felix Pie, making a spot start in center field, showing actual patience at the plate. He went 1-2, with two walks. Kosuke Fukudome, who Lou deemed ready to re-enter the lineup earlier in the day, getting a hit, and playing great defense in right; something that was truly missed in his absence. Yeah, I know. 1-4. Fact is though, if Fukudome could sustain a .250/.350/.400 batting line for the rest of the season, you probably wouldn't here whoop from Lou.

Sadly though, getting one earned run off of Braden Looper is sadder than being held to three by Kyle Lohse. Fortunately, Felipe Lopez -- proving to be a poor substitute for the injured Troy Glaus -- made a series of errors in the fourth inning that ultimately cost his team the game, as the Cubs used them to score all of their runs for the night.

Ryan Ludwick smacked a two-run shot off of Kerry Wood in the ninth to pull the Cardinals within one, but Kerry then got Aaron Miles on one of the filthiest sliders I've seen from him, and Josh Phelps to fly out to end the game.

Ugly? Yes. But given that the Brewers had rallied late to beat the Reds earlier in the day, it was a needed win. Like I said, anyway that you can get it.