The Chicago Cubs hit four homeruns in the “juicebox” tonight against the Houston Astros and they took the series 2-1.  Steve Trachsel picked up his first win since rejoining the Cubs as the Cubs moved back into first place of the Central Division by half a game over the Milwaukee Brewers.

Alfonso Soriano, Aramis Ramirez, Daryle Ward, and Cliff Floyd all connected for homeruns.  All were solo shots except for Ramirez who hit a three run homer in the first inning.  Ramirez’s homerun followed Soriano who led off the game with a long bomb.

Kerry Wood and Carlos Marmol shut down the door on the Astros in the final three innings.  Wood pitched the 7th inning, and Marmol pitched the 8th and 9th innings.  I hope Marmol can get some rest and not need to be used the next 2-3 days.  He could really use some rest at this point in the season.

The Cubs and Cardinals will begin a huge weekend series tomorrow night.  The Cardinals have lost seven in a row so it is important that the Cubs come out strong and win these ballgames.