Disregarding the controversy over the Lou Piniella decision to give Big Z the hook, let’s take a look at what we can expect in Game 2.

A sweep is now out of the question, but I expect the Cubs to win the net two games. The matchup of Ted Lilly vs. Doug Davis is not nearly as close as the Carlos Zambrano/Brandon Webb face-off of Game 1.

Lilly walked only 55 batters while striking out 174 this year. Davis walked 95 and struck out 144. Already we can begin to see the disparity between the two No. 2s.

I think it’s safe to say that if the Cubs can pitch anywhere near as well as Zambrano did last night, they’ll be in good shape to nab some wins against the non-ace Snakes pitchers.

Davis’ WHIP is the 5th worst in the National League. Sitting 4th worst in the NL in WHIP is Livan Hernandez — Arizona’s likely starter in Game 3.

The Cubs need to get these two wins to avoid seeing Webb in a potentially decisive Game 4.

Just, out.