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Cubs look to avoid sweep against Braves

Jun 3, 2007 - 12:40 PM Atlanta (32-23) at Chicago Cubs (22-31), 2:20 pm EDT

CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Though they've been playing poorly, the Chicago Cubs have been one of baseball's most entertaining teams since Friday.

The Cubs look to avoid their seventh consecutive loss and a three-game series sweep when they host the Atlanta Braves on Sunday.

After a well-publicized dugout scuffle between pitcher Carlos Zambrano and catcher Michael Barrett on Friday, Cubs' manager Lou Piniella threw one of his trademark fits on Saturday.

The fiery skipper was tossed out of the game after arguing a close play at third base, where Angel Pagan was thrown out with the Cubs trailing, 4-3. In addition to kicking dirt on umpire Mark Wegner, Piniella kicked his Cubs' hat around the infield before departing the game, which the Braves went on to win 5-3.

Chicago looks to 24-year-old Sean Marshall (0-2, 2.70 ERA) to end their skid. The 6-7 lefthander is making his third start of the season and still seeking his first win. Marshall lost his only career start against the Braves in 2006, allowing two runs and seven hits in six innings.

The Braves counter with Lance Cormier, who is making his first appearance this season. A strained right triceps muscle has sidelined the righthander since the start of the season. Cormier went 4-5 with a 4.89 ERA in 29 appearances - nine starts - for the Braves last season.