Just when it seemed the Cubs were ready to break out of their funk, the bullpen struck again.

Carlos Marmol gave up a single, committed a balk, walked a batter and a then timely executed bunt set up the game winner for the Cardinals.

But if there is any solace in this game, it was Lou Piniella’s press conference afterwards.

Only a day after a late-inning loss to Cincy, Sweet Lou showed his true colors again, ripping into his team during a press conference which was more like a shouting match when all was said and done.

“We’re playing like we’re waiting to get beat,” Piniella said.

Well said Lou.

But that brings me back to the first Sweet Lou ejection last season. That on-field tirade ended up fueling the Cubs’ run in the second half to overtake the division and win the NL Central. Well, that and Aramis Ramirez’s walk off shot against the Brewers.

Perhaps this is just what the Cubbies need to jump-start the engine and begin playing the way they have through out most of the season.

– Jon Levanich, Sports Editor