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Cubs go for series sweep against Giants

Aug 23, 2007 - 2:35 PM Chicago Cubs (64-60) at San Francisco (55-71) 3:35 pm EDT

SAN FRANCISCO (Ticker) - The Chicago Cubs will try to sweep the San Francisco Giants in the final game of a three-game set on Thursday.

So far, the Giants have squandered two strong pitching performances to start the series. After rookie Tim Lincecum kept the Cubs scoreless for eight innings before losing in the ninth, Barry Zito allowed just two runs in eight innings before rookie Patrick Misch gave up two runs in the 10th as the Cubs prevailed, 4-2, on Wednesday.

With the win, the Cubs took sole possession of first place in the National League Central over the Milwaukee Brewers (65-62), who dropped a 3-2 decision to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Carlos Zambrano (14-9, 3.86 ERA) will look for his first win after signing a five-year, $91.5 million contract extension with Chicago on Friday. Zambrano was perfect through three innings, striking out three, against the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday before the game was called due to rain.

For his career, Zambrano is 4-0 with a 2.40 ERA in seven games - six starts - against the Giants.

Matt Cain (5-13, 3.78) will look for his second straight victory when he takes the mound for the Giants. Cain allowed three runs and six hits while striking out seven in seven innings in a 4-3 win over the Florida Marlins on Saturday.

Cain is 2-2 with a 4.85 ERA in four starts lifetime against the Cubs.