Zambrano pitches 6 shutout innings as Cubs beat Angels split squad 4-1

MESA, Ariz. -- Carlos Zambrano pitched six shutout innings, Alfonso Soriano homered and the Chicago Cubs beat a Los Angeles Angels split squad 4-1 today.

Zambrano gave up only one hit, a one-out windblown triple to right-center in the sixth inning by Sean Rodriguez.

"I'm ready, I'm ready to go," said Zambrano, who is scheduled to pitch the March 31 season opener against the Milwaukee Brewers in Chicago. "I'm way ahead compared to where I was last year, and I'm looking forward to doing my job this year. I feel better. I feel comfortable. I like Chicago. Five years in Chicago makes you feel better."

Zambrano (1-0) was referring to the $91.5 million, five-year contract extension he signed last August. He was 18-13 with a 3.95 ERA last year.

"We've talked about him; he's had a real nice spring," said Cubs manager Lou Piniella. "We stretched him out to six innings today, and he threw 74 pitches. Next time out, we'll pitch him in a minor league game and pitch him another six or seven innings, whatever. Then, we'll shorten him up a little bit, and he'll be ready for opening day."

Mike Fontenot, fighting to make the Cubs as a backup infielder, homered in the second off Angels starter Nick Green.

Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez drove in runs for Chicago.

The Angels had three hits in the game, and their only run came on a seventh-inning home run by Erick Aybar off Cubs reliever Carlos Marmol.

Kerry Wood finished the game for Chicago, earning his first save. Wood may have taken the lead over Marmol and Bob Howry in the battle to become the Cubs' closer. Piniella said a decision won't come for at least a week.

"Woody's making it easier," Piniella said of his decision. "Not tougher. Easier. But let's wait on that decision. He's been throwing strikes. He's been going after the hitters. His velocity has been good. He's mixing in some nice hard sliders."

Notes:@: Angels left fielder Garrett Anderson was a last-minute lineup scratch because of what the Angels termed right-knee irritation. Cubs center fielder Felix Pie returned to the lineup for the first time since last weekend. Last Monday, he underwent an outpatient surgical procedure to alleviate what the Cubs called "testicular torsion." Pie is the front-runner to win the starting job, and Piniella said he didn't believe the ailment would set him back.