In a season during which breathing has never been easy, the Cubs are finally in position to separate themselves from the pack in the National League wild-card race.
They swept Colorado for the first time on Thursday in Coors Field after a 5-1 victory and are headed to San Francisco for a showdown with the Giants.
Behind Mark Prior’s pitching and some sterling infield defense, the Cubs moved to a season-high 12 games over .500 at 60-48. The Cubs may have gained steam as they head into a nine-game stretch against the Giants, Padres and Dodgers, all of whom are fighting for a playoff spot.
“It just shows how strong our starting rotation is,” catcher Paul Bako said.
Winless in his previous five starts, Prior (3-2) threw six shutout innings, yielding six hits. His defense sparkled behind him.
Aramis Ramirez made a diving stop at third with two on in the third inning, getting the forceout and saving a run. Derrek Lee made a diving stab in the sixth and threw to second base from his knees to get a force.
Rockies starter Jason Jennings gave up three hits, including solo home runs by Lee and Corey Patterson. Bako’s bases-loaded, two-run single off Jennings made it 4-0 Cubs in the seventh.
