The Official Site of The Chicago Cubs: News: Cubs offense on an April roll
Quote:
The Cubs have used a full toolbox in building the National League Central's best record at 15-7.
They've employed strong starting pitching and a bullet-proof bullpen, but the relentless offensive onslaught the team has mounted in winning nine of its past 11 games stands out among the elements of the game going Chicago's way.
The Cubs have averaged eight runs a game over their past 10 games entering Thursday, and they boast the league's most runs (133) and best batting average (.289) through Wednesday's win.
"These kids are confident, I can tell you that," manager Lou Piniella said. "They're getting after it every night, which is what you have to do."
That confidence was earned en route to clinching their division last year, despite an 8-13 record at this stage in the season. The turnaround during last season gave the Cubs the confidence to back up their swagger as they look to go further in 2008.
"It was almost a deflated feeling [last year]," said Ryan Theriot, whose 10th-inning RBI single proved to be the game-winner Wednesday night. "I guess this year it's almost more of an excitement, 'OK, let's see if we can do it again' type deal. That's a mark of a team that enjoys playing together and really trusts each other."
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It's nice to have the team hitting so well even without Soriano. It's especially nice to have Soto hitting so well when I've got him on my fantasy team, too.
