The Cubs have yet to hit a home run (or a triple) this season, but they did obtain their first victory of 2007 tonight. Ted Lilly was excellent, throwing 7 innings of 3 hit, 1 run ball, with 9 K's and just 1 BB. Bobby Howry and Ryan Dempster closed the deal in the 8th and 9th innings, just as it should be.

In his last two starts, going back to his final start in 2006, Lilly has now struck out 18 while walking just 1. Lilly had one other appearance in 2006 with at least 9 strikeouts and no more than 1 walk. That came in his second start of the year, in Fenway, when he struck out 10 and walked none. From September 1, 2006, Lilly has a 2.29 ERA in 43.2 innings. (Hat tip: Baseball-Reference.com's Play Index.)