Cubs clinch NL Central baseball title

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2007

CINCINNATI, United States (AFP) — The Chicago Cubs clinched the National League Central division title on Friday with a 6-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, coupled with Milwaukee's loss to San Diego.

Alfonso Soriano blasted a leadoff homer and gunned down a runner at the plate as the Cubs defeated the Reds and reduced their magic number for claiming the division crown from the chasing Brewers to one.

When the Brewers fell 6-3 to the San Diego Padres later Friday, the division belonged to the Cubs.

Carlos Zambrano threw seven scoreless innings and Derrek Lee blasted a two-run homer for the Cubs, who improved to 84-76 and clinched the division crown for the first time since 2003.

After being swept by the lowly Florida Marlins, Chicago needed a strong...