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Zambrano, Cubs aim for consecutive wins vs. Padres

Jun 16, 2007 - 12:59 PM San Diego (38-28) at Chicago Cubs (31-35) 1:05 pm EDT

CHICAGO (Ticker) - Ever since his infamous blowup with battery mate Michael Barrett, Carlos Zambrano has been perfect.

Zambrano and the Chicago Cubs look for their fourth straight victory when they face the San Diego Padres on Saturday.

On June 1, Zambrano (7-5, 4.89 ERA) surrendered season highs of seven runs and 13 hits over five innings in an 8-5 loss to Atlanta. What most highlights captured ,however, was Zambrano getting into a scuffling match with Barrett in the dugout, which eventually spilled into the locker room, and ultimately sent Barrett to the hospital for stitches.

Since then Zambrano has been the ace everyone has expected. In two starts, the big righthander has yielded only three runs and eight hits in 14 2/3 innings while striking out 17. One of those victories includes a 2-1 decision against the Houston Astros on Monday. In that game, Zambrano hit a solo homer to help his own cause.

The 6-5, 255-pound native of Venezuela has had little trouble in his career vs. San Diego. He is 4-0 with a 2.17 ERA in six career starts against the Padres, who will send Chris Young to the mound.

The San Diego righthander (6-3, 2.34) has won his last two decisions and has won his last three road starts. In his last start, the 6-10 Young allowed three runs and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings, receiving no decision in a 4-3 loss to the Seattle Mariners last Sunday.