CUBS DROP THEIR FIRST SERIES TO THE DIAMONDBACKS

The Cubs (1-2) lost their second game in a row to the Diamondbacks (2-1) after scoring 16 runs in the season opener. They lost 4-5 and 3-8 the last two days.

Ryan Dempster's first start since July 2003 was spoiled by the Diamondbacks. They scored 7 runs, had 9 hits, and walked 3 times against Dempster. Ryan did strike out 7 in the 3 2/3 innings he pitched.

The Cubs stranded seven runners in the first four innings. They need to improve on getting the runners to the fourth base on the diamond.

Barrett homered in the 6th with Burnitz and Lee on third and second, respectively. Those three runs accounted for all of the Cubs scoring.

Who's hot for the Cubs? Todd Walker and Derrek Lee are both batting over .500. Walker is batting .583. Lee is batting .500 with 5 RBI.

The Cubs are off today (Thurs. Apr 7.) The Cubs finally leave Arizona after 6 weeks of spring training and the opening series against the Diamondbacks. Their home opener is Fri, Apr 8. against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers are 2-0, winning their two games against the Pirates 9-2 and 10-2. The Cubs will be looking to cool them off Friday.