The Cubs already have matched the franchise mark for victories in April, tying the 1969 club with 16.
That's impressive enough, but it represents a stark contrast from last April, when they stumbled to a 10-14 start and looked disorganized and dispirited. According to one key Cub, there's one key difference.
"We didn't swing the bats last April," said first baseman Derrek Lee. "That's the bottom line. We came out swinging the bats better."
The stats back Lee up. Last April, the Cubs batted .270 with an on-base percentage of .326 and 19 homers. They scored 112 runs while walking 69 times and striking out 162. They're better in each category this March/April, even though they've struck out more. So far this year, they've scored 145 runs with 27 home runs. They've walked 113 times while striking out 171. Their team batting average is .280, and their OBP is .367.
NATIONALS 2, CUBS 0: The Cubs managed just four hits off Nationals lefty John Lannan. Ryan Theriot hit into an inning-ending double play in the fifth, swinging at the first pitch after the Cubs had gotten three hits. Left-hander Ted Lilly pitched six innings, giving up four hits and two runs. Cubs pitchers also gave up only four hits.
