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Orioles pound Marquis, take series from Cubs

Jun 26, 2008 - 11:14 PM CHICAGO (Ticker) -- The Baltimore Orioles showed that the Chicago Cubs aren't invincible at home after all.

Aubrey Huff had four hits and scored three runs while Jay Payton had a pair of hits and three RBI as the Orioles pounded the Cubs, 11-4, in the rubber game of a three-game set Thursday.

"This is definitely one of the most satisfying series we played this year," Huff said. "As far as it being a satisfying win, I think you look at the big picture. We came in here and played very well against a good team.

Nick Markakis and Guillermo Quiroz also drove in a pair of runs for the Orioles, who became just the third team to win a series at Wrigley Field this season and first since the Milwaukee Brewers won two out of three from April 29-May 1. The Orioles had also snapped the Cubs' 14-game home winning streak on Tuesday.

"The reason we won this series was that we have a team that plays good, fundamental baseball," Baltimore manager Dave Trembley said. "We have a team that will compete every night. And I guarantee you we'll bring our best game every night. The other team better bring theirs, too."

After Chicago failed to score with the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the second, Baltimore struck for five runs in the third to take control of the game.

With two outs, Kevin Millar walked with the bases loaded and Huff followed with a two-run double to right. Payton then plated two more runs with a single to left-center off Cubs starter Jason Marquis, giving the Orioles a 5-0 advantage.

"After the first two innings, I started falling behind hitters and leaving too many pitches out over the middle of the plate," Marquis said. "I put my team in a bad position to win the game."

Baltimore added to its lead in the next three innings as Markakis had a two-run double down the line in left in the fourth and Quiroz had run-scoring singles in each the fifth and sixth innings. Payton and Adam Jones also drove in a run as part of a three-run sixth, making the score 11-0.

Marquis (6-4), who had won his previous four starts, lasted just four innings and surrendered seven runs and seven hits with three walks and three strikeouts. It was the righthander's shortest outing of the season and first loss since May 13.

Orioles starter Radhames Liz (2-0) was the beneficiary of the run support, going five-plus innings and allowing two runs and four hits to pick up the victory. The 25-year-old righthander walked four and struck out four.

"I had some trouble with my command," Liz said. "The weather was a little warm and at times I had to fight to get my energy. But the team gave me a lot of runs to work with. And I battled through those five innings."

Eric Patterson had two RBI for the Cubs, who still own the majors' best home record this season at 33-10.