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Zambrano can set career high in victories

Sep 29, 2006 - 12:48 PM Colorado (74-85) at Chicago Cubs (65-94) 2:20 pm EDT

CHICAGO (Ticker) - Carlos Zambrano has been one of the few bright spots in a disappointing season for the Chicago Cubs.

Zambrano looks to reach a career high in victories and can set the franchise single-season record for home runs by a pitcher Friday as the Cubs begin their final series of the campaign against the Colorado Rockies.

The 25-year-old Zambrano (16-6, 3.43 ERA), who went 9-0 in June and July, tied his 2004 victory total by giving up four runs and six hits in seven innings of Sunday's win against the Cincinnati Reds.

Zambrano also has belted six home runs this year, which equals the team mark set by Hall of Famer Ferguson Jenkins in 1971.

The Cubs are coming off back-to-back victories over the Milwaukee Brewers and are tied with the Pittsburgh Pirates for last place in the National League Central Division.

After giving up 36 runs in a three-game sweep by the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Rockies are in the basement in the NL West, one game behind the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Josh Fogg (10-9, 5.62) can finish an unbeaten September in his final scheduled start. Looking for his 50th career victory, he yielded three runs and eight hits in 6 2/3 frames of Saturday's win over the Atlanta Braves.