Cubs' bullpen implodes, Prior roughed up again

Ouch, that one hurt!

Mark Prior's start was a disaster, but Glendon Rusch (2 2/3 IP, 0 R) looked like he had saved the day when Aramis Ramirez hit his second bomb of the night to put the Cubs up 6-4 in the 7th inning. But, Chicago's most reliable relief pitcher, Bobby Howry, entered the game with one out in the bottom of the 8th and gave up three runs in a 7-6 heart-breaking loss in the nation's capital.

Offensive highlights included another stolen base by Juan Pierre (#36 on the season), who had two hits as did Michael Barrett and Ramirez, and John Mabry filled in for the injured Derrek Lee with his first home run since game two of the season.

Also spoiled was a fine performance by Will Ohman out of the pen as he inherited a two-on and one-out situation in the sixth inning and got out of the jam.

Though the Cubs are playing better ball this month, Dusty Baker's squad is still just .500 in July at 8-8. Today's noon game vs. Washington could be a shootout as Sean Marshall (5-8, 5.00) gets the nod for the Cubs and Livan Hernandez (6 -8. 5.87) starts for the Nats.