Big Z does it all against Reds
Carlos Zambrano has probably been called every name in the book by Cubs fans over the years — and for good reason.
The guy can be frustrating yet endearing, intimidating yet charming; he's intense, hilarious, emotional ... you name it, he's it.
But the one thing you can never call him is boring. Because when Big Z is in the spotlight, things always get interesting.
And that was certainly the case Saturday at Wrigley Field in the Cubs' 11-4 blowout victory over the Cincinnati Reds.
And it started in the very first inning when, after retiring the first two batters he faced, Zambrano walked the next three to load the bases before striking out Miguel Cairo to get out of the jam.
That particular strikeout was the 1,534th of Zambrano's career. He added 5 more in the game and remains second on the all-time franchise list behind only Fergie Jenkins (2,038).
Big Z's wild start continued into a rough third when seven Reds came to the plate. Two runs scored, handing the Reds a 2-0 lead and giving Cincy the big mojo advantage.
But that would change quickly.
Zambrano led off the bottom of the third, and with one swing off Johnny Cueto, cut the lead in half with a rope to right center. The Cubs added another run to tie things up and the game would never be the same after that.
The home run was the 23rd of Zambrano's career — extending the franchise record for a Cubs pitcher. It also moved him into the top 10 in major league baseball history, where he's currently tied for ninth with none other than Walter Johnson.
“I'm not (Tony) Campana, I'm a big man,” Zambrano said with a laugh. “Big men are supposed to hit the ball with authority. Thank God I crushed it.”
Zambrano had two more chances at No. 24 Saturday, and you better believe he went for it both times — swinging mightily each time, particularly with the bases loaded in the fifth. He didn't get it, but he did extend his hitting streak to four games, his longest such streak since 2008.
One more note on Z the hitter: He has driven in a run at the plate and earned the win 38 times in his career, the most among active pitchers.
“In the National League you have to be able to bunt, hit ... do some damage,” he said. “That's one of our jobs. Thank God I was able to help out.”
On the mound, Zambrano improved to 9-6 after going 6 innings, allowing 3 runs and striking out six. He now finds himself 1 win away from adding an eighth 10-win season to the back of his playing card.
It was also victory No. 125 of his career (125-80), moving him into 15th place all-time in franchise history. It also gave the Cubs a season-high seventh straight victory.
We'll leave the final description of Big Z to Cubs manager Mike Quade.
“He was pretty darn good,” Quade said. “He made pitches when he had to. ... he was great.”
For this day at least, a perfect description.