--OF Milton Bradley was ejected from Thursday's game after being called out on a 3-2 pitch with the bases loaded and one out in the sixth inning. Bradley, who had not played since straining his right groin Sunday, was pinch-hitting. Before the game, Bradley ran and took batting practice, and the Cubs hope he can start Friday. Bradley has been known for his run-ins with umpires, but manager Lou Piniella said he had no reaction to Bradley being tossed.
--CF Kosuke Fukudome hit his third homer of the year Thursday, going 2-for-5 with a double. He has hit safely in six of seven games, going 12-for-28 (.429). He's batting .375 with an .487 on-base percentage and a slugging percentage of .781. --LHP Ted Lilly has taken no-hitters into the seventh inning in three of his last five starts. In addition to Monday, Lilly did it twice last September. Lilly retired 20 of the first 21 Rockies he faced.
BY THE NUMBERS: 250 -- With a stolen base Sunday, LF Alfonso Soriano became the 19th player in big league history to have at least 250 steals and 250 homers for his career. He joined former Cubs Andre Dawson and Ryne Sandberg on the 250-250 list.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Just can't do it. You're going to lose. Get the ball over the plate, and make the other team beat you. Period." -- Manager Lou Piniella, on his relievers walking five batters in a 4-3 loss at Milwaukee on April 10.
