Big Z!

He is a big man with a big arm who swings a big bat while trying to contain a big ego, a bigger temper, and some humongous emotions. He is the ace of a very fine Chicago Cubs' starting rotation who hadn't pitched since September 2 due to rotator cuff tendinitis. He is a Venezuelan made good in the United States. It was an Astros home game, against the Cubs, being played in Milwaukee. All of which made it the perfect night!
Carlos Zambrano has pitched a no-hit, no-run game.
Big Z is as entertaining as any character in the game. He is living theater. He seems to always walk along the razor's edge. And tonight it all fell his way. Ron Santo sounded like he wouldn't make it until the end. Pat Hughes was, as always, spectacular in recounting the action. Even Lou Pinella got caught up in the excitement, allowing a returning from injury, front of the rotation pitcher to go 110 pitches deep into a game that meant very little to the Cubs. At least it meant very little until that linescore was posted: Cubs, 5-7-0; Astros, 0-0-1.
Cubs fans look for any sign, absolutely any sign. Here's another in a year full of them: first Cubs' no-hitter since Milt Pappas in 1972!
I've gotten to see the Red Sox' 86 year drought ended. I've seen the White Sox' 88 year wait rewarded. Now we're down to cases: the Cubs have waited for a century. Maybe Z's great game marks the path. Can Next Year really be This Year?