Game Ninety-Seven: Cubs (57-39) vs. Astros (45-51)
Game Time - 6:05pm C.T.
Coverage - TV: Comcast SportsNet - Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channel 188
Location - Minute Maid Park, Houston

Carlos Zambrano (10-3, 2.84/1/23) vs. Wandy Rodriguez (4-3, 3.48/1.28)

Lou Piniella's crew will try to pick up their first win of the second half tonight behind their ace, Carlos Zambrano. Starting pitching was not the problem on Friday night, it was the offense's inability to make Brian Moehler work that was the difference. The Cubs offense must make Wandy Rodriguez pitch his way into trouble and the key for tonight will be the Cubs putting themselves into hitter's counts.

The Cubs enter play tonight 3 games ahead of the Cardinals and 4 ahead of the Brewers in need of a win on the road behind their ace.

In other news....Rich Hill struggled in what is being called a rehab assignment with the Daytona Cubs on Friday night. Hill is still on the I-Cubs roster, but his status is listed as being on a rehab assignment on the Class A roster. Hill allowed 6 runs, 5 earned, on 6 hits with 3 walks and 6 strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings. Hill struck out 4 of the first 6 batters he faced before struggling with his command.

Kerry Wood's blister appears to be a little more than originally thought. Wood was not available on Friday night and according to a report from the Sun-Times, he is listed as day-to-day. Lou Piniella does not think Wood will be placed on the DL. A report from Bruce Miles indicated Wood might be available by Sunday but more than likely he will not return until Monday.