On a weekend when Chicago native Barack Obama announced his running mate in his bid for the Presidency, the Cubs continued their own campaign for the NL pennant. They plowed through yet another opponent at Wrigley, winning 2 games over the Washington Nationals. Now at a season-high 30 games above .500 and 80 wins on the year, the lyrics “they got the power they got the speed, to be the best in the National League, well this is the year and the Cubs are real” from “Go Cubs Go” are ringing more true everyday. Here are 3 things to know in Triple Play:

1. Fukudome Getting His Swagger Back?
   It was only one edition earlier I wrote that Kosuke Fukudome may see some benchings soon due to poor plate performance, but after Sunday’s victory it appears he may have turned a corner. In the 7th inning he pinch hit with a runner on and smacked a liner into the right-field seats for his first home run of the month. Heading into Sunday’s game, Fukudome had been batting .145 in August. He sat down with Cubs skipper Lou Piniella and hitting coach Gerald Perry to discuss his hitting (or lack of), and looked over game film. Apparently it worked; he drove the second pitch he saw for four bases. A major difference in his approach was a shorter, more compact swing. Part of Fukudome’s shtick is also how he steps away as he swings in a sort of running motion. Sunday, he shortened that stride out which gave him more control over his swing. If he keeps up with this plate approach, he’ll return to his form from April to June.
2. Series W’s
   With the victory over Washington on Sunday the Cubs have now won 8 consecutive series for the first time since 1937. Sweeps aren’t all that necessary as long as you can win series’ with consistency. Let’s say the Cubs play 10 straight games; 2 3-game series’ followed by 1 4-game series. If they win each of those series without sweeping then that’s a 7-3 stretch. You really can’t ask for anything more than winning 7 of every 10 games you play. It’s much better than sweeping one series, then losing the next 2. Momentum is always maintained when you win series after series. It’s how the Cubs have gone 22-12 since the All-Star break and 14-6 in August.
3. Marquis Falling Off--Again
   Friday’s game saw the Cubs get out to an early 4-0 lead. Then things unraveled for starter Jason Marquis, pitching on 8 days rest. After throwing 5 scoreless innings, Emilio Bonifacio reached on an infield hit. Marquis then gave free passes to Christian Guzman, and Ryan Zimmerman. With the bases loaded, runs scored on a Lastings Milledge sacrifice fly, and a Ronnie Belliard double. Marquis was removed for Neal Cotts, who walked one and then gave up a grand slam. The final line for the Cubs starter: 5 1/3 IP, 3 BB, 4 ER. His post All-Star break ERA is now at 5.66 after being at 4.44 before it. For whatever reason, Marquis unravels in the second half. In 2006 with St. Louis he posted a 6.02 ERA, and last year with Chicago a 5.75. Sean Marshall currently pitches out of the bullpen but may be summoned soon to assume Marquis’ role. Even If that doesn’t happen, it’s becoming more apparent he may be left off a postseason roster for the 3rd straight season.

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