Chris Rusin’s debut wasn’t terribly effective, but the Cubs were still in line to win late. But James Russell, who’s going through a rough stretch right now, gave up a three run homer in the 8th, and a two-run lead vanished behind the center field wall.
At least Alfonso Soriano hit another homer, and Dioner Navarro exploded with the bat once again. It looks like the Cubs are definitely stretching Carlos Villanueva out to return to the rotation, as he essentially piggy-backed with Rusin to go almost three innings. It’s possible Villanueva is ready to start the next time through.