Cubs’ pitchers have “started” getting better lately, meaning their starting rotation is finally stringing together quality starts.

The recent trend seems to be contagious and manager Mike Quade says, “I hope, keep them coming.”

“There’s probably a little bit of (being contagious). There’s competition among them and camaraderie. But, ultimately, it’s about taking care of business yourself.”

Zambrano turned in another good start Saturday in a 11-4 victory over the Reds, going six innings and hitting a massive home run against Johnny Cueto, who came into the game with a 1.72 ERA.

Zambrano actually bent first, giving the Reds two runs in the third inning on four singles, with the RBI going to Miguel Cairo and Yonder Alonso.

He got one of the runs back himself in the bottom of the inning, giving him a franchise high for a pitcher of 23. And then Carlos Pena doubled home the tying run.

An inning later, the Cubs tacked on three more runs with Alfonso Soriano and Starlin Castro driving in runs with a hit and Pena walking with the bases loaded. Cueto was removed from the game after the walk.

It didn’t matter as the Cubs beat up on reliever Sam Lecure with five runs in the fifth inning, building their lead to 10-2. Castro had two more RBI with a bases-loaded double and Pena another with a double.

SOURCE: CHICAGO TRIBUNE