Some Thank Yous

Thank you, Ted Lilly! How many times has he come through after tough losses this season?

Ted Lilly, pitching on short rest for the first time this season, did not get a decision. He gave up two solo homers over seven innings, and set a career high in single-season innings pitched. The left-hander has totaled 200 innings this year, topping his previous high of 197 1/3 set in 2004 with Toronto.

This was Lilly's 20th quality start of the season, and he's the first Cubs lefty to reach that number since Jamie Moyer did so in 1988. Lilly struck out eight, including pinch-hitter Alex Gonzalez to end the seventh and strand runners at first and third. The lefty now has 168 Ks, matching his career best, which also was set in 2004.

Thank you, Alfonso!

"If ever there was a must game for us this year, truthfully this was it," manager Lou Piniella said.

And Soriano provided the boost.

Brandon Phillips hit a sharp single to left field that Soriano fielded, and his throw cut down the speedy Norris Hopper at the plate to preserve a 2-2 tie. It wasn't close.

It was the 16th assist of the season for Soriano, a former second baseman.

"He hit it very hard and I took it on once bounce and made a good throw," Soriano said. "That's what I have to do. I know the runner on second runs very good."

Soriano's throw with a three-quarter motion is deceptive and arrives quickly.

"I'm happy that they run on me," he said.

Last, but not least, thank you Hunter Pence.

Some Thank Yous