Zambrano struggles in his 'final' exam

NEW YORK - Cubs manager Lou Piniella sounded a lot like a movie reviewer Wednesday night after his team's 9-6, 10-inning victory over the New York Mets.

"That was a ballgame that took a lot of different twists and turns," Piniella said after the Cubs scored 3 runs in the 10th.

Derrek Lee hit a double to score the go-ahead run, and Aramis Ramirez hit a 2-run homer to provide some cushion.

The biggest twist to come out of this long night was that Ryan Dempster is all but assured of starting Game 1 of the National League division series next Wednesday at Wrigley Field.

Carlos Zambrano had one final audition Wednesday but certainly didn't rate a thumbs-up from Piniella after lasting just 4 innings and giving up a grand slam to Carlos Delgado in New York's 5-run third inning.

"He came out throwing the ball really, really well, and then he lost the strike zone," Piniella said. "In the next inning, he wasn't throwing the ball nearly as well. What do I think? I give it mixed reviews.

"He's healthy. Let's give him the benefit of the doubt that he needs work, that he's rusty. I wish that today were Tuesday so we could pitch him again on Sunday. But we don't have that option."

Piniella then launched into a critique.

"I wish he would quit fighting himself out there, just relax and pitch and have some fun. You know? He gets angry when he doesn't do what he expects to do, and it detracts from his ability. I've tried to tell him that so many times. He understands when I tell him, and I think he forgets when he pitches."

Zambrano concurred with his boss.

"I agree," he said. "I agree with that. I think I have to relax and have fun and win my games. I think that's one thing I have to correct in me. It's all up here (in his head). When you put it in your mind that nothing will bother you, nothing will bother you."

Dempster is 14-3 with a 2.86 ERA at Wrigley Field.

"You look at Dempster's home record of 14-3; that speaks volumes, obviously," Piniella said. "He's pitched very well all year. So basically that tells you that we'll have an announcement in a few days."

Piniella also said he'd try to get Zambrano a couple of innings of relief this weekend in Milwaukee. Zambrano also agreed with Piniella about the Game 1 starter.

"I think Dempster deserves it," he said. "Whatever decision they make is good to me. Whatever Lou wants to do, I just want to help my team and be ready for the playoffs. It doesn't matter if I'll be the first, second or third starter. I just want to be there."

The Cubs lost right fielder Mark DeRosa to a strained left calf as he ran out a double in the fifth inning. He will miss tonight's game and possibly the series opener Friday in Milwaukee.

"We'll take two days off and see what happens," said DeRosa, who was going to get today off anyway. "It's not something I'm too worried about."

Howry (7-4) got the win after giving up a leadoff triple to Daniel Murphy in the bottom of the ninth of a tie game.

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