Best Win of 2012 For Cubs, Maholm

Anyone opposed to calling the Cubs 5-1 win against Philly Friday night the best victory of the season? I’m not.

Not only did Chicago snap a 5-game road losing streak, Paul Maholm outdueled Doc Halladay, the offense manufactured some runs and Rafael Dolis held down a late inning lead for his first big league save.

Big tip of the cap to Maholm who evened his record at (2-2) with his deepest outing of the season, 6.1 IP.

You can’t ignore the fact Philadelphia is challenged offensively. They’re ranked 14/16 in the NL in runs scored (Cubs are 10th). Chase Utley & Ryan Howard are on the DL and J-Roll is mired in a 3-for-37 slump. But give Maholm credit for taking advantage.

At one point the lefty retired 15 batters in a row. He didn’t allow a singe base on balls and trusted his defense to gobble up 14 ground ball outs.

Huge outing for Maholm. Huge lift for the Cubs (7-13).