Cubs hit 4 HRs and win 11-7 over Padres to snap 12-game losing streak

The Cubs were finally able to break their losing streak and won today against the San Diego Padres, 11-7.  It was the first time the "W" flag was raised at Wrigley Field since May 9th.

There was a 24 mph wind blowing straight out at Wrigley Field today, with gusts up to 35 mph and the Cubs took advantage of it.  Darwin Barney, Alfonso Soriano, Ian Stewart, and Starlin Castro all hit home runs.

Alfonso Soriano and Ian Stewart high-five each other after a home run in Monday's game (photo from cubs.com)

Travis Wood started for the Cubs and allowed six runs on seven hits and walked three and struck out four over five innings.  Randy Wells came in to pitch in relief in the sixth inning and earned the win.  Cubs manager Dale Sveum said, "The bullpen, with the way the wind was blowing there...that's exceptional to just give up one run in four innings."  Shawn Camp and Casey Coleman also pitched in relief today.

Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein addressed the media before today's game and said, "The fans have a right to be upset any time we're not playing winning baseball, especially during stretches like this.  I understand it.  If we start making decisions based on it or scrap plans because of it or try to put Band-Aids on situations, we would be doing the fans a disservice in the long run."

"I always operate with the belief that the only way to make fans happy in the long run is to get to a point where we're playing baseball in October on a regular basis, and nothing's going to get in the way of that.  Sometimes, when you rip the scab off, there's some pain until we grow some new skin.  We're going places. This is a tough road."

Cubs GM Jed Hoyer and President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein spoke to the media before today's game at Wrigley Field (photo from Chicago Tribune)

No kidding, 12 losses in a row was pretty tough to bear, but us die-hard, loyal Cub fans hung in there and continued to watch the games and stay positive.

Starlin Castro and Darwin Barney celebrate the Cubs 11-7 win over the San Diego Padres (AP photo)

Sveum admitted this was a win the team needed.  "Let's not kid yourself. You lose 12 in a row and you finally win...it's a big relief for all them guys," Sveum said.  "It's tough.  It shows you sometimes how tough it is to win a Major League Baseball game.  To lose 12 in a row--hopefully something like that gets everything going."

Cubs players after they beat the Padres to end their losing streak on Monday (photo from Chicago Tribune)

In other Cubs news, RHP Carlos Marmol was activated from the 15-day disabled list and RHP Rafael Dolis was optioned to Triple-A Iowa today.  Marmol will not be used as the team's closer for now.

Tomorrow the Cubs and Padres will play game two of the three game series at 1:20pm CT.  Jeff Samardzija will start for the Cubs and will try for his fifth win of the season.  It's also Samardzija bobblehead doll day at Wrigley Field tomorrow.