Major League Baseball

Returning Zambrano can't save Cubs' season

Published Aug. 26, 2009 7:22 a.m. ET

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Carlos Zambrano was back on the mound Tuesday, apparently cured of his back trouble and presumably better-toned throughout his midsection.

The script called for five or six solid innings in Big Z's return from the disabled list. The Cubs' lost lineup was certain to find its way against Garrett Mock, who entered with three career victories. It would be a robust opening to a homestand that will go a long way toward determining Chicago's ultimate fate.

Well, it didn't quite happen that way. In fact, it didn't happen that way at all. Zambrano gave up eight earned runs. He didn't finish the fifth. The Cubs lost to the Nationals, owners of the majors' worst record, by an embarrassing 15-6 count.

Chicago's deficit in the National League Central is nine games. Probably time for a skywriter to fly across the North Side with the seasonal message: NOT GOING TO HAPPEN THIS YEAR, EITHER. BEARS OPEN SOON.

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