The Chicago Cubs became the first team in the majors to win 40 games this season when they beat Los Angeles on Sunday. Jason Marquis was brilliant, allowing only 3 hits over 6 1/3 innings pitched, and retiring 12 batters in a row between the 1st and 5th innings. The only run he gave up was unearned.
Brad Penny, on the other hand, responsible for all 3 Chicago runs, as he allowed 6 hits over 6 innings of work. It was also Penny’s 7th loss in as many starts, and he has not won since May 2. The Dodgers have scored only 5 runs in his last 4 starts.
Mark De Rosa provided all the offense Chicago would need. He homered in the first, and then drove in the game-winning run in the fifth. He would also score in the same inning. Kerry Wood pitched a perfect 9th to record his NL-leading 18th save.