Pirates 2, Cubs 0

Hero: Reliever Brian Schlitter has been impressive in both of his major league appearances. On Wednesday, the 24-year-old right-hander allowed one hit, struck out one, and walked none over two shutout innings.

Jim Hendry's New Nickname

"Two sources today described the Cubs as only 'halfway' to sell mode," Fox Sport's Jon Morosi reports.

Cubs 3, Pirates 1

Hero: Alfonso Soriano hit solo home runs in the fourth and sixth innings - the 25th multi-homer game of his career.

How To Boost Attendance At Wrigley

"Attendance Down Sharply At Wrigley," the Tribune reports.

We have some suggestions.

Pirates 2, Cubs 1

Hero: Brian Schlitter faced just two batters - Paul Maholm and Jose Tabata - in his major league debut, in the seventh inning, and struck them both out.

The Cub Factor: Going Mental

The Cub Factor is a weekly round-up produced by the Beachwood Reporter's Marty Gangler every Monday and supplied to sister site Agony & Ivy as a service to A&I Cub Nation.

This week we propose the following psychological screening test for prospective Cubs:

Section 163, Row 9, Seat 7

We didn't have it as bad as Daniel in the den of lions, but as Cubs fans (and sober people), my family was an island in a vast sea of Sox fans (and drunks) when we attended Saturday night's city series game at the facility formerly known as Comiskey Park.

Santo's Rookie Tales

Ron Santo has told the story countless times during his 21 years as the Cubs radio analyst and he shared it yet again with Kenny Albert and Mark Grace during Fox's broadcast of Saturday's game against the White Sox.

The Case For Santo in Cooperstown

I was often my team's third baseman when I played youth baseball and whenever I made a nifty play, I'd hear my father yelling, "Nice play, Chris. Just like Ron Santo!"

Cubs 8, White Sox 6

Hero: Tyler Colvin went 3-for-5 and smacked a three-run homer - his 10th of the season - in the third inning off left-hander John Danks (7-6) to give the Cubs a 3-2 advantage and their first lead of the series.