Zambrano a hit - but every day?

While not the first time Carlos Zambrano said one thing and did another, it might have been the most entertaining.

After blasting his third home run of the year and 19th in his career in a 7-3 win over St. Louis in the first of two games Sunday at Wrigley Field, the subject of Zambrano as an everyday player came up.

Could Zambrano see himself as a designated hitter in the American League? Could he making a living hitting big-league pitching?

"No," Zambrano said while nodding his head yes. "No, my job is to pitch. That's the thing I know how to do better."

The Cubs' franchise leader in home runs by a pitcher knows how to hit. In 465 at-bats this year, outfielders Kosuke Fukudome and Milton Bradley have 13 home runs. At his rate, Zambrano would have 35.

"He swings a big bat," shortstop Ryan Theriot said. "That's no surprise. If you throw one where he's swinging he's going to hurt you."

On the mound Zambrano fanned seven in 6 innings, allowing all 3 of his runs in the third. His first win since June 5 improved his record to 5-4.

"I've been pitching good and I haven't got run support but today was different," said Zambrano, who said he is going to the Bahamas over the all-star break. "Sooner or later you know you will get one. Today was a good one because it was St. Louis."

Zambrano also revealed the reason he threw the opener Sunday and Randy Wells the nightcap. Apparently, Big Z has had enough of the spotlight.

"For me it doesn't matter," Zambrano said. "I just want Randy Wells to pitch in tonight's game so people can know him better. People who watch the game tonight will know him and know how good he will be for us."

Depth does it: Despite Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez sitting in the first game - Ramirez with a .538 lifetime average against starter Kyle Lohse - the Cubs didn't miss a beat with Micah Hoffpauir and Jake Fox.

Hoffpauir, hitting just .185 since May 22 after a fast start, put the Cubs up early with a 3-run homer in the first.

"That's part of being a role player, you have to understand what your role is and you have to learn how to do it," Hoffpauir said. "As far as being in a great rhythm? No, you are not. But you take advantage of the at-bats you get and try to make the most of what you get."

Fox went 2-for-5 and is hitting .316. In Game 2, Sam Fuld started in center field and went 2-for-3 with a walk.

"That's what they are here for," shortstop Ryan Theriot said. "They are here to contribute, they are here to play and do well and help us win. They are not here just to fit in, they are here to help the team win and that's what they've done."

Where's Sori? After spending time in either the fifth or sixth spot in the batting order lately, left fielder Alfonso Soriano was in the No. 3 spot for Sunday's matinee against the Cardinals.

Not a big deal.

"No problem," Soriano said after checking the lineup card, "the most important thing for me is to just be in the lineup."

Short hops: Sunday's day-night doubleheader was only the sixth of the split variety in the last 42 seasons for the Cubs. ... Radio analyst Ron Santo will return to the booth after the all-star game. ... Ted Lilly was presented with his NL all-star jersey before Sunday's opener. It will be Lilly's second All-Star Game. ... NASCAR driver and devout Cubs fan Kurt Busch threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Sunday's matinee.