Dempster posts road win as Cubs blank Astros

Batters back on upswing for Cubs By Paul Sullivan | Tribune staff reporter HOUSTON - When the Cubs return to Minute Maid Park in September, Lou Piniella insists the players won't have to take batting practice. The left-field wall is so inviting, Piniella argued, that some players try to "knock the pumpkins off the train" that runs on a track atop the wall, causing them to pull the ball during the game. Pumpkins? Aren't those large plastic globes in the caboose supposed to be oranges, symbolizing the orange juice company whose name adorns the ballpark? Piniella laughed, immediately blaming Whether they're pumpkins or oranges, the bottom line is the Cubs finally got their offense on track after blowing off batting practice, beating Houston 9-0 to avoid a sweep and maintain their two-game lead over St. Louis in the Central... [read full story]