Chicago\'s Carlos Zambrano was prepared to take the mound and earn his 100th career victory. The starting pitcher remained in the game until the seventh inning, crushed a homer, and had a couple of heads-up defensive plays to lead the Chicago Cubs past the Cincinnati Reds 2-1 last week. The right hander did not allow a hit until Adam Rosales hammered a single to left field with one out in the fifth inning. The starting pitcher said he felt good to capture his 100th victory, but the most important thing was that he won the game for his ball club. Zambrano allowed two hits and a season-high five walks in 6 2-3 innings. Get Chicago Cubs tickets and see Zambrano throw some heat.

He retired seven batters while reaching the milestone in his third try since defeating the Florida Marlins in early May for his 99th win. Since then, he spent 19 days out of the lineup due to a left hamstring strain, lost at San Diego, and was suspended six games for quarreling with plate empire Mark Carlson on May 27 in Chicago. The pitcher was also delayed one more game by rain, which washed out his scheduled start in Atlanta. But Zambrano wasn\'t distracted by the recent course of events when he played against the Reds. Cubs manager Lou Piniella praised Zambrano when he said he pitched really well and only got a little tired in the end.

Zambrano (4-2) not only struck out the side in the first inning, but also nailed his second homer of the season and 18th of his career. Cincinnati\'s Micah Owings threw his first pitch of the fifth inning and Zambrano cashed in on the play and extended Chicago\'s lead 2-0. The switch-hitter drove the ball from the right side after striking out left-handed in his first appearance at bat. The pitcher complained over the little discomfort he felt in his left hand, but stated it was nothing serious. The right hander also added that in the National League, you have to be able to swing right-handed and left-handed. It turned out to be the difference in the game. After Zambrano gave up his first hit in the bottom of the fifth inning, the starting pitcher retired Owings before right fielder Micah Hoffpauir made an unbelievable catch of Jerry Hairston Jr.\'s hit at the warning track to end the inning.

The amazing pitcher also helped out on defense. He covered first base on Brandon Phillips\' foul pop near the first base stands in the sixth inning. First baseman Derrek Lee caught the ball and threw it to Zambrano to tag Chris Dickerson at first base. Reds manager Dusty Baker gave credit to Chicago\'s ace pitcher when he said he is a man capable of high velocity, a lot of movement, and plenty of good sinkers. The manager continued to say the right hander is an exceptional athlete and good hitter. Baker never saw a guy switch sides and hit a home run, which ended up being the game winner. Owings (3-7) left the game after giving up five hits and two runs with three walks, but was able to retire six batters (tying his season high). The pitcher was the only player in Cincinnati\'s lineup who was hitting .300.