Piniella makes the right moves for Cubs

The way things are going for the Cubs these days, it seems Manager Lou Piniella can make out any lineup he wants and it clicks.

With Derrek Lee, Cliff Floyd and Daryle Ward sidelined, Piniella went with a quicker team against Cy Young Award winner Brandon Webb.

After the Cubs scratched out a one-run lead with two-out rallies, they got a three-run, eighth-inning homer from Aramis Ramirez in a 6-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday for their 19th win in 24 games.

“It’s a different type lineup we played, more contact and a little more speed,” Piniella said.

“These kids are going up there and taking some good at-bats and hitting the ball hard and finding some holes. Let’s ride this as long as we can.”

Jason Marquis (7-5) yielded four hits over 7 2/3 innings to help run Chicago’s record to 7-1 since the All-Star break.

Webb (8-8) gave up three runs in seven innings and is 0-3 in four starts since June 27. He also lost to the Cubs for the first time in his career after going 4-0 against them in six previous starts.