Cubs 3, A's 1

March, 23, 2011
3/23/11
8:57
PM CT

Here's a quick look at the Cubs' 3-1 victory over Oakland on Wednesday.

The good: Right-hander Carlos Silva threw six strong innings, allowing three hits and one run in his best outing of the spring. Silva retired 17 of his last 18 batters faced. In a minor league game in Mesa, Ariz., on Wednesday Carlos Zambrano threw four innings and 82 pitches. Outfielder Reed Johnson continued to shine in the race for the team’s fifth outfielder spot. The veteran was 2-for-4, including a nice push-bunt single.

The bad: The Cubs’ offense continued to sputter. The team has scored on 10 runs combined in its last four games. Outfielder Fernando Perez took an 0-for-3. He’s batting .147 after Wednesday’s game.

Outside the box: It appears another restless night is in store for Mike Quade. He’ll make a few more position player cuts on Thursday. The aforementioned Perez is on the bubble.

Next: Righty Matt Garza (0-3) faces the White Sox Phil Humber (0-1) in the second and last matchup of the two Chicago teams in Mesa, Ariz.

Bruce Levine | email

Chicago baseball beat reporter
Bruce Levine has covered sports in Chicago for over 28 years and hosts "Talkin' Baseball," heard Saturday mornings on ESPN 1000.

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TEAM LEADERS

WINS LEADER
Paul Maholm
WINS ERA SO IP
4 4.73 27 45
OTHER LEADERS
BAS. Castro .313
HRB. LaHair 10
RBIS. Castro 25
RD. DeJesus 25
OPSB. LaHair 1.020
ERAR. Dempster 2.28
SOJ. Samardzija 57