Cubs-Dodgers, Saturday 6/7/08; Big Z loses his shit

Result: Dodgers 7, Cubs 3. Cubs lead the NL Central by 2.5 games over St. Louis with a record of 39-24.

What happened: Shaky defense cost the Cubs, and especially Zambrano, leading to 5 runs in the 7th for L.A. Derek Lowe and Zambrano dueled through 6 before Carlos gave the Cubs the lead with an RBI single. An error by Aramis Ramirez and what should have been an error on Ryan Theriot paved the way for L.A. Matt Kemp capped it with a three-run bomb to center, setting off Mt. Zambrano. Jon Broxton and Takashi Saito shut down Chicago in the last two frames.

The game turned when: Theriot dropped a great throw from Geovany Soto, allowing Juan Pierre to steal second with one out in the 7th. Perfect throw from Geo, and it could have snuffed the L.A. rally. Gotta make that play, Riot. Instead, Pierre was safe and the Dodgers scored 5 in the inning.

Flip your wig: After getting the hook, Big Z repeatedly battered a Gatorade cooler in the dugout. The FOX sideline reporter said on air that Carlos could be heard wreaking havoc on his way to the clubhouse.

Causes for concern: The defense. Theriot has 7 errors and should have 8. That's not going to cut it for a shortstop with no power. Also, the Cubs can't seem to get a call in L.A. Jeff Kent was ruled safe for an infield hit, and scored on the Martin HR. Replays showed he was probably out.

Much will be made of Zambrano's blow-up, but I think he gets a pass on this one. He got little to no support from the rest of the lineup, offensively or defensively. In the past, he has pulled similar acts when they definitely weren't warranted. Today's was understandable. Much has been made of Z's increased maturity this year, and this shouldn't be viewed as a big step back.

Silver linings: Forget the pitching line, this was another quality start for Z. He should have been in line for his 9th win through 7. Alfonso Soriano hit another bomb, his 15th of the year.

Up next: Cubs vs. Dodgers, 7:05 ESPN Sunday Night game. Cubs go for a winning road trip.

Now watching: NCAA Baseball Super Regionals.
Now drinking: Maker's Mark.
Now playing: The new Frightened Rabbit, "The Midnight Organ Fight" -- more on this later...