Off To a Great Start!

The Cubs played their 134th Opening Day in the history of the franchise today. Cub right handed ace Carlos Zambrano on the mound. The game was played indoors. There's something special about Opening Day. Another winter done, a new season of hope has arrived. You can feel the excitement, buzz, and hope around all 30 ball parks in Major League baseball on this special day for our National Pastime. The opponent this year was their NL Central foe the Houston Astros. The 'Stros came on strong at the end of last year, and almost snuck in to the postseason. But almost doesn't count in the game of baseball. Carlos Zambrano got the Opening Day nod for the 5th consecutive year. Roy Oswalt opposed for Houston.

The first batter of 2009, Alfonso Soriano got things off to a favorable start with a booming home run. Amazing! Soriano looked in mid season form. I'm sure Oswalt wasn't too thrilled about allowing a long ball on the second pitch he threw in the new season.

The Cubs good fortune continued when, in the 2nd, Aramis Ramirez went deep in his first AB of the season. The Cubs sluggers already slugging!

Zambrano was very sharp today, even though he allowed 8 base runners, he was only charged with 1 run. I'd like to see him cut down on the walks (3) and hits (5), but you could still tell that he had his good stuff.

Great job by the bullpen also! Cotts did his job retiring the only man he faced, Aaron Heilman got out of a jam by getting a double play ball, Marmol did not allow a hit in the 8th, and Kevin Gregg got his first save as a member of the Chicago Cubs. Very positive.

The Cubs also produced a run in the 4th. Fontenot lead off the inning by smacking a double, Soto gave himself up and grounded out to the right side, and then Theriot got him in. Love to see the "small ball"!

Micah Hoffpauir had an RBI single to add an insurance run in the top of the 9th. I think the Hoff will be a big asset to this Cub team off that bench!

Very, very positive day all around. It always feels like Opening Day counts for more than one game, even though it doesn't in the standings. The Cubs have the momentum!

Final Score: Cubs 4, Astros 2

Game Highlight: Soriano leading off the 2009 season with a home run.

My Player of the Game: Zambrano for his first Opening Day win, and his 6 strong innings.

Up Next: Same two teams tomorrow night at 7:05 CT.

The Cubs are Back!