• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Cubs thriving with a healthy Soriano, face Astros

Aug 6, 2008 - 10:11 AM Houston (54-58) at Chi Cubs (68-46) 2:20 pm. EDT

CHICAGO (Ticker) -- A healthy Alfonso Soriano has made a world of difference for the Chicago Cubs, who will try for their ninth win in 11 games on Wednesday against the Houston Astros.

Soriano, who has made two trips to the disabled list, homered and drove in four runs as the Cubs posted an 11-7 victory on Tuesday. The slugging left fielder has been red-hot since returning from a broken ring finger, and not coincidentally, the Cubs have as well.

Soriano is hitting.344 (21-for-61) with five homers and 12 RBI in 14 games since returning on July 23. The Cubs went 16-18 during his 34-game absence, but have won 10 of 14 since his return.

Sparked by Soriano's hot hitting, the Cubs have opened up a five-game lead on the slumping Milwaukee Brewers (63-51) in the National League Central. Soriano will try and help Chicago build momentum before a key series with the St. Louis Cardinals (63-52), who are 5 1/2 games back.

Soriano and company will be glad to see Brandon Backe (6-10, 4.72 ERA), who they haven't lost to in three years. Backe is 0-1 with a 5.09 ERA in three starts vs. Chicago since he beat the Cubs here on May 25, 2005. Backe, who has not received a decision in his last three starts, allowed three runs and 10 hits in six innings of a 7-3 win over New York on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Cubs hope Jason Marquis (6-7, 4.68) can snap a six-start winless streak. Marquis allowed three runs and eight hits in six innings, but received no support in a 3-0 loss to Pittsburgh on Friday. The righthander has not won since June 21.