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Zambrano, Barrett fight as Cubs go meekly vs. Braves

Jun 1, 2007 - 11:30 PM CHICAGO (Ticker) -- The Atlanta Braves exploded in the fifth inning. But most of the fireworks came in the Chicago Cubs' dugout.

In a contest marred by a fight between Chicago starter Carlos Zambrano and catcher Michael Barrett, Jeff Francoeur knocked in three runs for the Braves, who used a five-run fifth en route to a 8-5 victory over the Cubs on Friday afternoon.

Kyle Davies (3-3) tossed seven strong innings for Atlanta, which continued its success at Wrigley Field. The Braves have not lost a series here since April 10-13, 2000.

"To be perfectly honest I wasn't aware of that (series success). If I knew how we did that we would never lose," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "Today it was Davies pitching perfect baseball, he had control of everything he threw."

The Braves continued the frustration Friday for Chicago, which endured a fracas in the dugout and locker room after a sloppy fifth inning, highlighted by Barrett's passed ball and errant throw - allowing a run to score to make it 5-1 - to heighten frustrations.

After the frame, Zambrano (5-5) confronted Barrett in the dugout and the two jawed back and forth until a shoving match began and punches were thrown before teammates and coaches broke up the tussle.

However, the fight continued in the clubhouse as Barrett sustained a deep cut on his lip after being punched by Zambrano, who left the park. Barrett went to Northwestern Hospital for further evaluation.

"Barrett has a lip that was cut up pretty good," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. "This is not the first time players on the same team have fought, it happens. When I was with the Yankees it seemed like it happened a lot, but it shouldn't happen."

Despite being the victim of poor defense, Zambrano started his own problems, yielding a walk to Edgar Renteria and a single to Brian McCann to start the inning. After Andruw Jones lined out, Francoeur doubled home both runners to make it 4-1.

"It was big that after I hit my double we continued to strike," Francoeur said. "That is something we have done of late, when we get a big hit we keep going after it (more hits)."

Scott Thorman then walked, and Pete Orr singled but Francoeur was thrown out at home. However, Atlanta was not done thanks to Barrett, who slipped up defensively on back-to-back plays.

"Right now our play is embarrassing," Cubs First baseman Derrek Lee said. "We have to find a way to do our jobs like professionals."

The Braves then added two more runs to cap the frame and take a commanding 7-1 lead. Atlanta had its bats going all day, banging out 20 hits, including seven players with multi-hit games.

"It is easy to go pitch when your team gets 20-plus hits," Davies said. "It gave me time to rest in the dugout, then I could go attack their hitters."

Zambrano allowed seven runs - six earned - and 13 hits in five innings, while walking two and not striking out a batter. It was reported that Piniella and pitching coach Larry Rothschild had to go into the clubhouse to calm down Zambrano.

"Fights happen in sports," Lee said. "I just wish that it wouldn't have happened in the dugout, it would have been better if they took it into the runway if they wanted to have it out."

Davies, was much better, allowing one run and six hits, while striking out two and walking one. Peter Moylan entered in the eighth, yielding a three-run blast to third baseman Aramis Ramirez to make it 8-4 before getting out of the inning.

"My last start wasn't very good and my fastball location was the problem," Davies said. "Between starts Roger (pitching coach McDowell) and I worked on it, that was the difference today. If you can't locate your fastball, you are in trouble no matter how good your other stuff is."

Closer Bob Wickman allowed a solo homer to Jacque Jones in the ninth before finishing out the contest. Lee had three hits, including a homer for the Cubs, who now have lost a season-high five straight games.

"Something has got to change," Ramirez said. "We have to start playing better, we are not playing the way we should. Right now, we are not doing anything right."