4/24 MIL@CHC, TV: CSN+, Radio: WGN

[VanMan]

The second of the three-game set between the Milwaukee Brewers (12-7, first place by 2 1/2 games) and the Chicago Cubs (7-12, 5 GB).

Today's probable starters:

Milwaukee: Jeff Supan
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_122987.jpg
2-2, 3.91 ERA, 4 GS, 25.1 IP, 27 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 5 BB, 14 K

vs.

Chicago Cubs: Rich Hill
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/images/players/action/ph_448179.jpg
3-0, 0.41 ERA, 3 GS, 22 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 18 K

[VanMan]

Here are the stating line-ups, brought to you by Pizza Hut, America's Favorite Pizza.

For the 12-7 Milwaukee Brewers:

1. Weeks, 2B (.243)
2. Hardy, SS (.282)
3. Fielder, 1B (.267)
4. Hall, CF (.261)
5. Mench, LF (.353)
6. Hart, RF (.286)
7. Miller, C (.316)
8. Graffanino, 3B (.200)
9. Suppan, P (.111)

For the 7-12 Chicago Cubs:

1. Soriano, LF (.268)
2. Pie, CF (.200)
3. Lee, 1B (.360)
4. Ramirez, 3B (.339)
5. Barrett, C (.271)
6. Jones, RF (.286)
7. DeRosa, 2B (.254)
8. Izturis, SS (.174)
9. Hill, P (.000)

First pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

(P.S.: I work for Pizza Hut. It's all cool. :) )

[ryno4ever]

Me, too, Van!

[VanMan]

Me, too, Van!
Dine-in, Delco or RBD?

[ryno4ever]

RBD..I am the manager

[VanMan]

It's time for Cubs baseball from Wrigley Field in Chicago! Netcasting live from my parents' basement in Cedar Falls, Iowa, watching the feed from Comcast SportsNet Plus, I'm Eric "VanMan" VanSickle. Heather "Ryno4Ever" McAlvey will be along in a moment from her computer in Geneseo, Illinois, listening to Pat Hughes and Ron Santo on WGN 720.

The Cubs continue their struggles, especially at home, following a very frustrating 5-4 loss in 12 innings to the same Milwaukee Brewers. Lou told the press before the game they need to relax a bit. Maybe that will help the Cubs get a few Ws and fly that white flag a few more times this season.

Rich Hill will toe the slab for the Cubs today. He comes in with a 3-0 record and an ERA so tiny, you need an electron microscope to view it (0.41 ERA). He's faced by Jeff Supan, who enters with a 2-2 record and a 3.91 ERA, but is 4-4 all time vs. Chicago.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the game. We also invite you all to interact by posting on this thread.

[ryno4ever]

we do all dine in, c/o and del

[ryno4ever]

Ron Santo was on the WGN radio pre game show, he sounds great. He is home from the hospital, but won't be joining the Cubs until after the next road trip.

[VanMan]

The game-time temp is 58 degrees and the wind is blowing straight in off the lake. As you can see by the line-up, Pie is in center field tonight, batting second. Let's see how this will affect the future of the Cubs' line-up.

[ryno4ever]

Oh, how I wish I could watch this game! I don't get comcast +

[VanMan]

Weeks grounds slowly to Izturis, who is able to gobble it on the third hop and fire over to Lee for the put out.

[VanMan]

Hardy takes a 2-0 pitch to left field, Soriano is under it to make the catch, two away.

Heather, just listen to Pat and Dave and create yourself a TV in your head.

[ryno4ever]

Fireworks flew in the Cubs tunnel last night between Coach Perry and the home plate umpire, and security had to step in and break up a "tiff"

[ryno4ever]

1-2-3!

[ryno4ever]

O Runs, O Hits, 0 errors...no baserunners at all.

[VanMan]

Hill throws a slow curve on 0-2 to Fielder, making him look foolish in striking out swinging. The Beermakers go 1-2-3.

Middle 1st, Brewers 0, Cubs coming up

[ryno4ever]

Hi Mara!

[ARamfan]

Glad to see the team of VanMan and Ryno4ever together again! I'm looking forward to your banter tonight! :D Maybe Rich Hill will help us get a win.

[ARamfan]

Glad to see the team of VanMan and Ryno4ever together again! I'm looking forward to your banter tonight! :D Maybe Rich Hill will help us get a win.

Hi Heather! Glad you're not at work tonight, maybe you can ENJOY A WIN! ;)

You too VanMan!

[ryno4ever]

I hope so.... It seems like that is the only time we win! I like the fact he has the lowest era in baseball! Is Lisa on yet? He's her guy!

[VanMan]

Thanks for the kind words, ARamfan!

Unfortunately, it did nothing for the Cubs in the bottom of the first. Soriano grounds to Weeks at second, Pie grounded to Fielder and Lee lined weakly to Weeks. Three up, three down.

End 1st, Cubs 0, Brewers 0

[ryno4ever]

0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors...0 baserunners

[VanMan]

Hill is looking nasty. Hall swung wildly at a 0-1 slow curve, and almost swung at the 0-2 off-speed. Then he got frozen on the 1-2 fastball.

[ryno4ever]

Lou had a "team meeting" after last nights game and told the guys they had to relax and have fun.

[ARamfan]

I'll bet Lisa will be checking in soon. He's her boy! :cool:

[VanMan]

Mench fouled the first pitch off, a high fastball. Then he fouled another high fastball outside of first base, 0-2. The 0-2 is a high-tight fastball that backs Mench off the plate. Mench then grounds a 1-2 curve to Izturis for the second out.

[VanMan]

Hart took a fastball outside, then flew to Pie to retire the side. Hill hasn't allowed a run for the last 18 IP.

Middle 2nd, Cubs 0, Brewers 0

[ryno4ever]

0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 baserunners after 1 1/2.... figured I'd consistently do this, just in case Hill wants to follow in the steps of a southsider last week.

[VanMan]

Lou had a "team meeting" after last nights game and told the guys they had to relax and have fun.
I think that might be a reason why the Cubs are having such a hard time. The team was relaxed during spring training, and they were winning games and playing fundamentally-sound baseball. Once the calendar turned to April, everyone tensed up and forgot how to play loose.

[VanMan]

0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 baserunners after 1 1/2.... figured I'd consistently do this, just in case Hill wants to follow in the steps of a southsider last week.
I don't think Hill is like that Southside pitcher. He might have a superstition about not talking about no-nos.

[ryno4ever]

I was listening to Boers and Bernstein on 670 the Score today (I hate listening to them, but ESPN 1000 was talking Bulls).... they were talking that it sounds like Hendry and Lou are having issues with each other. Hey, Mara, Your guy just singled!

[VanMan]

Ramirez just hit a seeing-eye grounder past Weeks' glove into right field. First baserunner of the ballgame to lead-off the second.

[VanMan]

Barrett takes a strike down the pipe. Then he grounds up the middle between the second baseman and shortstop. Neither could make the play to get Ramirez at second. Weeks did grab the ball, but Barrett was able to beat the throw. Two on, no one out.

[ryno4ever]

I don't think Hill is like that Southside pitcher. He might have a superstition about not talking about no-nos.

Ahhhh.... but I didn't say anything about it ;) ... I'm just simply stating the line score.... and how many were left on base. It would be nice though...

[ryno4ever]

Did you guys see we are at Number 6 now on the top 100? Welcome, roenick99!

[roenick99]

I was listening to Boers and Bernstein on 670 the Score today (I hate listening to them, but ESPN 1000 was talking Bulls).... they were talking that it sounds like Hendry and Lou are having issues with each other. Hey, Mara, Your guy just singled!

I would be willing to bet that Hendry is gone long before Sweet Lou. Especially, if his little creation doesn't start producing some serious results. A little bang for their bucks, if you will...

[roenick99]

Did you guys see we are at Number 6 now on the top 100? Welcome, roenick99!

Thanks. Oh and as an added note, I worked at Pizza Hut in college. Shift Manager/Babysitter...

[ryno4ever]

Another break for the Cubs.... 1st and 3rd one out.

[ryno4ever]

Thanks. Oh and as an added note, I worked at Pizza Hut in college. Shift Manager/Babysitter...

Yeah, sometimes the babysitter label still applies! Especially with the night crews!

[VanMan]

Jones took the first pitch for a strike, then a bad one out of the zone. He fouled off the 1-1 pitch around the plate. The 1-2 goes into the dirt, ball two. Rain is starting to fall. The 2-2 goes foul off Jones' foot, but Suppan did try to turn a double play anyway. Jones grounds to Hardy, who gets Barrett out himself. Throw pulls Fielder off the bag, Jones is safe with one out and runners on the corners.

[roenick99]

Well, it's nice to see someone finally rejects our gifts. Who besides the Cubs screws up this many double plays in one inning?

[ryno4ever]

Now, they just have to get the run in from third.... that's where the Cubs are struggling lately.

[roenick99]

Now, they just have to get the run in from third.... that's where the Cubs are struggling lately.

Lately?

I assume by lately you mean the last 20 years...

[VanMan]

DeRosa takes the first two pitches out of the zone, with a few pick-off attempts mixed in. He swings and misses at a high-and-away fastball, 2-1. Cutter is fouled off DeRosa's front leg, 2-2. Next pitch is chopped down the third baseline. Graffanino hopscotches over the ball and lets it curve foul. Next one sails very high, Miller just able to get his mitt it before it gets to the screen, full count. Jones goes on the next pitch, but DeRosa fouls off the pitch. Suppan did the step to third, throw to first routine, nothing doing. Jones running again, the full-count pitch goes high and tight for the walk to DeRosa. Bases loaded for Izturis with one out.

[ryno4ever]

Hmmmm.... bases loaded for Izzy. Can Lou pinch hit for him now?

[roenick99]

Probably a little bit of an over-exaggeration for me. I guess they had pretty good offense in the 90's...

[ryno4ever]

Lately?

I assume by lately you mean the last 20 years...

Good point! I think I have blocked out everything prior to October 1, 2006

[roenick99]

Hmmmm.... bases loaded for Izzy. Can Lou pinch hit for him now?

Call me a pessamist, but I predict the third double play of the inning...

and they actually get this one...

[VanMan]

Izturis fouls the first pitch off. Next pitch is grounded right to Hardy for the 6-3 double play, and this time, Fielder is able to hold the bag.

No runs, two hits, two left.

End 2nd, Cubs 0, Brewers 0

[roenick99]

I hate being right...

[ryno4ever]

Told ya, Lou should have pinch hit for him.

0 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors.... 2 left on base.

[VanMan]

Call me a pessamist, but I predict the third double play of the inning...

and they actually get this one...
And Roenick99 nails the call. Maybe you should be the Steve Stone of the board. That's amazing, there were three double-play ground balls in the inning, yet they only turned one.

[roenick99]

Good thing we don't have a SS batting .340 sitting on the bench right now. Oh wait, we do...

[ryno4ever]

I'd like to see Theriot get the shortstop position. he can hit and field.

[VanMan]

Miller takes the first pitch high into the air, to left field. Soriano, shaded to left-center, ran and ran and ran and ran and ran toward the foul line to make the Willie Mays-style basket catch!

[ryno4ever]

Reds and Cards under a rain delay.

[ARamfan]

Len just said, "golden chance for the Cubs and they didn't get on the board." :(

[WrigleyFielder]

No more Izturis....WE WANT A-ROD!

[VanMan]

Graffanio foul ball caught by a fan at the front of the upper deck.

[roenick99]

And Roenick99 nails the call. Maybe you should be the Steve Stone of the board. That's amazing, there were three double-play ground balls in the inning, yet they only turned one.

We like to refer to that as: not capitalizing on opportunities. I'm used to it. It was an easy play to call...

[ryno4ever]

I can't watch the game... how does Hill actually look? In control? Wicked pitches?

[VanMan]

No more Izturis....WE WANT A-ROD!
Don't we all wish!

[VanMan]

Graffanino flies to Jones for the second out, a little more routine than the one hit to Soriano.

[roenick99]

Reds and Cards under a rain delay.

Yeah, it is absolutely pouring here. And even if it wasn't, the lightning is absolutely nasty. I was almost nervous getting out of my truck to walk to my house 20 minutes ago and I just have to park on the street.

[WrigleyFielder]

Don't we all wish!

I just wish they coulda pulled the trigger before the season started

[VanMan]

I'll say a few of Hill's pitches might be seen in BBTN's "That's Nasty" segment.

[ryno4ever]

No more Izturis....WE WANT A-ROD!

Amen to that.... however, I have a feeling we all need to dream on with that one! After the April he has had, I see the Yankees opening the checkbook for him.... and I could only hope that Arod says, "Ha! Yeah, right! After the way you guys have treated me up until April? Shove it!"

0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 baserunners after 3:D

[VanMan]

Hill's mowin' 'em down like his name is Toro or Briggs and Stratton! Suppan strikes out (of course, he's a pitcher) to make it nine up, nine down.

Middle 3rd, Cubs 0, Brewers 0

[ryno4ever]

Yeah, it is absolutely pouring here. And even if it wasn't, the lightning is absolutely nasty. I was almost nervous getting out of my truck to walk to my house 20 minutes ago and I just have to park on the street.

So, more than likely, the game will be rained out, and we with a win, we can inch even closer to both of them in the standings?:eek:

[ryno4ever]

Hi there, Drockvb and WrigleyFielder! Welcome to the party!

[VanMan]

Hill leads off the Cubs third, taking a strike. Another taken strike on an off-speed pitch. He swings and misses the 0-2, ball gets away from Miller, who has to throw to Fielder to retire Hill. One out.

[VanMan]

So, more than likely, the game will be rained out, and we with a win, we can inch even closer to both of them in the standings?:eek:
How about we take the lead, it downpours in the 5th, and Hill has retired 15 straight batters? Easiest perfect game possible.

[VanMan]

Soriano pops out to Weeks in shallow right field, the pitch following a pop foul that landed in the Brewer 'pen.

[VanMan]

Pie gets on with two out on a hump-backed liner to center. Len is saying tonight's line-up might be the one we see night-to-night.

[ryno4ever]

I love baseball, but game getting over at midnight last night, and an emotional one as it was, I was completely exhausted when it was over!

[ryno4ever]

Pie gets on with two out on a hump-backed liner to center. Len is saying tonight's line-up might be the one we see night-to-night.

Lou said that in the WGN radio "Lou Pinella Show" before the game.

[ryno4ever]

Welcome to the party, Bockstock!

[WrigleyFielder]

Hi there, Drockvb and WrigleyFielder! Welcome to the party!

thank you thank you

btw I hope your son is ready for the game in a couple weeks!

[VanMan]

After Suppan made a pick-off attempt, Lee fouls one straight back to the backstop. The 0-1 is low, ball one. Another fouled to the screen, 1-2. The next pitch is bounced to Miller to make it 2-2. Suppan throws to Fielder to chase Pie back. The 2-2 is, to quote Brewer broadcaster Bob Uecker, juuuuuuuuuust a bit outside. Lee lines one sharply to left through the hole. Pie was moving on the pitch, and makes it to third without a play. Runners on the corners, two out for Ramirez.

[roenick99]

I love baseball, but game getting over at midnight last night, and an emotional one as it was, I was completely exhausted when it was over!

I was still exhausted from this past weekend, so I was falling asleep listening on the internet (sad, I know). I made it until Eyre blew the lead and figured it wasn't worth staying up. I was right.

[ryno4ever]

thank you thank you

btw I hope your son is ready for the game in a couple weeks!

He has bath crayons, and has a countdown going on our shower wall for the number of days until we get to go. IF the rotation doesn't change, it should be Hill on the mound that day!:D

[VanMan]

Ramirez takes a pitch low and away, ball one. Quade telling Pie where to go after the pitch. Ramirez then takes a change for a strike, 1-1. Suppan faked to third, drawing a few boos from the crowd. The 1-1 is outside, 1-2 to Ramirez. He's 8-20 against Suppan. Next pitch is fouled to the right-field foul-line seats. The 2-2 coming... After a fake-to-third, turn-to-first move. Ramirez pops it foul into the stands behind the plate. Next pitch is away to fill the count. Lee expects to be going on the pitch. Barrett on deck. Ramirez almost took out Pie, fouling one off the inside corner. Another foul on an outside pitch. The 22nd pitch of the inning is popped up. Fielder makes the catch, despite almost colliding with weeks. No runs, two hits, two left.

End 3rd, Cubs 0, Brewers 0

[ARamfan]

Pie gets on with two out on a hump-backed liner to center. Len is saying tonight's line-up might be the one we see night-to-night.

If this is the lineup we see night-to-night, then what happens to Murton? :confused:

[ryno4ever]

DE ROSA!

[VanMan]

Top of the fourth, top of the order for the Brewers. Weeks took a curve ball well outside for ball one. Fastball low for ball two. Weeks is 0-5 against Hill. Called strike on the outside corner, 2-1. Weeks pops down the right-field line, DeRosa is there to catch the ball between Lee and Jones. One down, 10 consecutive retired by Hill.

[WrigleyFielder]

He has bath crayons, and has a countdown going on our shower wall for the number of days until we get to go. IF the rotation doesn't change, it should be Hill on the mound that day!:D

Glad to hear he's excited :)

Let's hope we get to see Rich go out to the mound that day, that would be sweet!

[ARamfan]

I was still exhausted from this past weekend, so I was falling asleep listening on the internet (sad, I know). I made it until Eyre blew the lead and figured it wasn't worth staying up. I was right.

I hear you. I'm already emotionally exhausted and it's only April! :eek:

[VanMan]

Hardy takes the first two pitches for balls. Then Hill comes back with a low fastball at the knees. A curve is in for a strike. 2-2 now. Hardy fouls one off.

An e-mailer suggested to Len and Bob that Z is having problems because he's not wearing the alternate shirts.

Hardy drills one to the left-field corner for a double. There goes the no-no.

[ryno4ever]

If this is the lineup we see night-to-night, then what happens to Murton? :confused:

I guess comes in off the bench. If you think about it, I can't think of a game where the starters are the same players in the ninth inning.

[VanMan]

AFLAC question:

Can you name the top three career home run hitters in April?

[ARamfan]

He has bath crayons, and has a countdown going on our shower wall for the number of days until we get to go. IF the rotation doesn't change, it should be Hill on the mound that day!:D

Let's hope it is Rich Hill that day so your little guy has a chance to enjoy a win! ;)

[VanMan]

Fielder starts the AB down 0-2. Hill then hangs a curve, and Fielder muscles a home run to right field against the wind. 2-0 Brewers.

[roenick99]

It figures...

[roenick99]

If this is the lineup we see night-to-night, then what happens to Murton? :confused:

Same thing that happens to Theriot...

Ride the pine...

[ryno4ever]

An e-mailer suggested to Len and Bob that Z is having problems because he's not wearing the alternate shirts.



I acutally thought about that the other day. You feel better when you wear clothes you are comfortable in. If he doesn't feel comfortable, it may end up causing some emotional distress. From a girl's point of view, if there's a shirt that makes me feel self-conscious, I'm not comfortable. Same thing may be with Big Z

[VanMan]

Hall then walks on four pitches. Rothschild out to talk with Hill to settle him down. 10 straight retired, but then the last three reach.

[VanMan]

Mench hits the first pitch he sees from Hill, but it's lifted to Soriano in left for the out.

[VanMan]

Hart takes a curve for a strike. The 0-1 is hit into center for a single. Two on, two out, two in.

[ARamfan]

I'm all for letting Z wear a blue jersey when he pitches if he thinks it helps him win! Who cares what he wears?!

[ryno4ever]

for the Cubs....or baseball overall for the AFLAC question?

[VanMan]

Miller takes a fast ball up and in, ball one. Bob's paranoid that the Brewers are starting to square up on Hill, maybe he's tipping off his pitches. Fastball on the inside corner to make it 1-1. High fastball fouled off, 1-2. Miller then can't hold up on a higher-than-high fastball to end the inning. But the damage has been done. Two runs, three hits, two left.

Middle 4th, Brewers 2, Cubs 0

[VanMan]

I think I saw a statement from Jim McDunough about the elimination of the blue jerseys as being the fact the Cubs are putting names on the backs of the home uniforms again. Well, the last couple years, the Cubs had the names on the blues on the road.

AFLAC answer:

Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron and Ken Griffey Jr.

[ryno4ever]

They were showing last start how he tips his pitches... if they can see it, why aren't they pointing it out to him or the Cubs?

[ryno4ever]

Not promising here guys, the Cubs have YET to have a come from behind win.

[ryno4ever]

Go Barrett!

[VanMan]

Barrett takes a fastball for a strike. Slider away, 1-1. Sinker called for a strike, 1-2. Backdoor slider misses, 2-2. Barrett lines one right off the chalk in right field for a lead-off double!

[Bockstock]

Not promising here guys, the Cubs have YET to have a come from behind win.

This is it

The cubs are coming from behind and are going to win a 1-run game

[VanMan]

Jones up now, first pitch fouled to the left-field stands. He reached on a fielders choice in the second. A liner to center by Jones, caught over the head of Hall for the out. Barrett retreats to first.

[Bockstock]

uggghhh Dave Otto, just terrible

"You can't hit a ball much harder"

[VanMan]

DeRosa swings and misses on the first pitch, off-speed. He fouls off the next pitch to the right-field stands, 0-2. He lines softly to Weeks, and then Weeks flips it to Jenkins to double off Barrett. End of the inning.

End 4th, Brewers 2, Cubs 0

[VanMan]

Anyone else think that if it weren't for bad luck, we'd have no luck at all?

[VanMan]

Graffanino pops foul on the first pitch, Barrett is there, but drops the ball for an error!!!

[ryno4ever]

uggghhh Dave Otto, just terrible

"You can't hit a ball much harder"
It's better than Dan Pleasac! But, it really makes you appreciate Ronnie!

[ARamfan]

Anyone else think that if it weren't for bad luck, we'd have no luck at all?

It's in the back of my mind, I'm just trying to keep a positive-it's-only-April attitude. :)

[VanMan]

Graffanino fouls the second pitch back to the stands, and then the third to the right-field stands. Next pitch is a liner to the upper deck, foul. He then chops one to Ramirez. He fires over to first to get Graffanino, who attempts to slide into first, the most cardinal sin in baseball!

[VanMan]

Suppan works a 2-2 count, fouling off a few of Hill's pitches. Of course, Suppan, being a pitcher, swings and misses to strike out.

[VanMan]

Weeks is next. Hill starts with a curve, taken outside for a ball. He comes back inside, 2-0. Next pitch is low, 3-0. Weeks then walks on four pitches, taken outside.

[VanMan]

Hardy takes a curve for a strike. Hill throws to first to chase Weeks back. Curveball high, 1-1. Weeks goes, curve for a strike, throw to second not in time. Bob's going on about his paranoia. Hardy flies to Pie for the third out.

No runs, no hits, a walk and one left.

Middle 5th, Brewers 2, Cubs 0

[VanMan]

Update from the UC, Bulls lead the Heat, 57-52, in the 3rd quarter.

[ryno4ever]

Come on Cubbies...time to hit some balls!

[VanMan]

Izturis takes a slow curve for a strike, as he looked like he was going to bunt. He then takes the next pitch the other way for a single to left.

[ryno4ever]

Update from the UC, Bulls lead the Heat, 57-52, in the 3rd quarter.

thanks for the update, i was just wondering how that was going.

[ryno4ever]

A DOUBLE PLAY ON A BUNT!?!

[VanMan]

Hill bunts, but Suppan starts the double play, 1-6-4! Can't we do anything right?

[ryno4ever]

I'm tired of hearing "it's early".... we say that every year, then we wake up one day and we are out of the race.... early

[VanMan]

Soriano takes a ball, then fouls off two. He hits a high fastball foul back. Another foul ball on a low pitch. Soriano fouls one back to Miller, but he couldn't hold on to make the foul tip. Suppan bounces a breaking ball 50 feet away, 2-2. Soriano fouls one off his front foot, again 2-2. Soriano hits one off the base of the center field wall over Hall. He strolls into second with a double. If he's 100%, that's a triple. If the wind's blowing the other way, it's off the scoreboard.

[VanMan]

I'm tired of hearing "it's early".... we say that every year, then we wake up one day and we are out of the race.... early
They say you can't win the pennant in April, but you can lose it.

[VanMan]

Pie takes the first pitch low. He then grounds to Weeks to end the inning. No runs, two hits, one left.

End 5th, Brewers 2, Cubs 0

[VanMan]

Bulls now lead the Heat 71-55 with 7:32 to go in the 3rd.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

I'm tired of hearing "it's early".... we say that every year, then we wake up one day and we are out of the race.... early

Have to agree with you Heather its been a very disapointing start to the season. We all new how crucial all these divisional games were to start the year so there should be nobody using the excuse its early. We have played over half of our games at home against divisional opponents where we should use homefield as an advantage but our record obviously proves thats not the case. As I said before, this team has major problems.:mad: :mad: :mad:

[VanMan]

Fielder up to start the 6th. Hill throws one very high and tight. The 1-0 is low for ball two. Fastball at the knees, 2-1. High-inside fastball fouled off, 2-2. Another inside fastball fouled off. Fielder grounds one to Izturis for the first out.

[VanMan]

Hall up, Hill throws a curve low and in, ball one. Next pitch is low, 2-0. Fast ball swung on and missed, 2-1. Curve catches the inside corner, 2-2. Curve fouled. High fastball fouled. Hall fouls another pitch just off the outside part of the plate. An offspeed pitch is hit into right field for a single.

[VanMan]

Mench takes an outside curve. Hall is picked off first on his way to second. Hill-to-Lee-to-Izturis.

[VanMan]

Next pitch, mench takes one into the left field basket. 3-0 Brewers.

[VanMan]

Hart flies on the first pitch he sees to Pie to retire the side, but the Brewers add to the lead.

Middle 6th, Brewers 3, Cubs 0

[ryno4ever]

Um, yep.

[VanMan]

Lee leads off the bottom of the 6th. He takes one low, and then hits one deep to center off the bricks for a double.

[ARamfan]

Have to agree with you Heather its been a very disapointing start to the season. We all new how crucial all these divisional games were to start the year so there should be nobody using the excuse its early. We have played over half of our games at home against divisional opponents where we should use homefield as an advantage but our record obviously proves thats not the case. As I said before, this team has major problems.:mad: :mad: :mad:

You guys are right. I'm well aware of how important these divisional games would be this month. It's just SUCH a disappointment and I'm just trying to keep my head up.

[ryno4ever]

UUUUUGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH! WHY DO THEY KEEP JUST MISSING HOME RUNS????????????????

[VanMan]

Ramirez takes a strike at the knees. The 0-1 is high and tight, 1-1. Next pitch is upstairs, 2-1. Off-speed pitch catches the outside corner, 2-2. Ramirez then hits one that holds up for Mench for the first out. Lee holds at second. Cherry is now throwing in the Cubs' pen.

[VanMan]

Barrett takes the first pitch low for a ball. The 1-0 is taken for a strike. Off-speed pitch taken for a ball, 2-1. Another off-speed catches the plate for a 2-2 count. Barrett then lines one to Mench again for the second out.

[VanMan]

Jones takes the first pitch on the inside corner for a strike. He swings and misses at a low change, 0-2. Next pitch is high and in, ball one. The 1-2 is low and in. Jones then strikes out swining, Miller has to throw down to retire him. No runs, one hit, one left!

End 6th, Brewers 3, Cubs 0

What happened to the clutch hitting? This team is performing like a car with a bad transmission.

[VanMan]

Miller takes a ball outside to start the 7th, then fouls one back. Rain starting to pick up. Miller able to check on a pitch outside, 2-1. Curve taken high, 3-1. Another pitch high, Miller walked.

[ryno4ever]

what happened to clutch hitting? Have they had that this year?

[VanMan]

Graffanino fouls the first pitch off. Fastball taken low, 1-1. Hill throws to first to keep Miller close. Next pitch misses, 2-1. Graffanino fouls one back into the stands, 2-2. Curve misses well outside, 3-2. Next pitch fouled to the left. Graffanino grounds to Ramirez, takes the throw across the diamond to Lee to retire Graffanino. Miller advances to second.

[VanMan]

Suppan takes the first pitch and grounds it to Ramirez. He looks Miller back and gets Suppan. Lou's coming out to talk to Hill with Weeks coming up.

[ryno4ever]

I feel like I am in a dark, endless pit and no way to get out!

[ryno4ever]

Do you realize if we lose this game, we are six games out.... after only 20 games?

[VanMan]

Slow curve to Weeks swung and missed. Next pitch is flared to right. Miller comes around to score. Jones' throw very wild. Weeks advances to second. Lou now coming out to get Hill and do a double switch, bringing in Cherry. Brewers now lead 4-0.

[ARamfan]

I feel like I am in a dark, endless pit and no way to get out!

I think I'm right behind you Heather. :(

[VanMan]

Cherry's first pitch is a flyball to left, Soriano under it to retire the side. However, the Brewers get one run on two hits, an error and one left.

Middle 7th, Brewers 4, Cubs 0

Let's get some runs!!!

[VanMan]

I think there have been some teams that have fought out of worse starts to win their division.

[VanMan]

DeRosa took the first pitch for a ball, but swung and missed at a low pitch. The 1-1 is inside for 2-1. A change is swung and missed. The 2-2 is lifted to center field, Hall squeezes it to retire the side.

[VanMan]

Izturis takes a curve for a strike. He then grounds to Fielder, two out.

[ryno4ever]

I hope you are right... but it wouldn't be so frustrating if they weren't losing by a run or two! It would be so much easier if they were just getting blown out every game.

[VanMan]

Theriot hits for the first time, coming in on the double-switch. First pitch is outside. He then takes an off-speed pitch for a strike. Suppan then puts one in the dirt, 2-1. Fastball low, 3-1. Theriot lines to Weeks to retire the side.

End 7th, Brewers 4, Cubs 0

[VanMan]

Has there been a game when the Cubs have been blown out so far?

[ARamfan]

I think there have been some teams that have fought out of worse starts to win their division.

I hope you're right VanMan. Can anyone give an example of a team that has done this?

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Just like Pat said, "this team has some very bad trends the start of this season, losing one run games, losing at home, and losing to divisional opponents has to change very quickly"

[ryno4ever]

I hope you're right VanMan. Can anyone give an example of a team that has done this?

The Astros a couple of years ago.

[VanMan]

Cherry faces Fielder, first pitch well outside. Second pitch also outside. Barrett telling Cherry to get a bit closer to the zone. Fielder hits a fly ball to Pie, one out.

[VanMan]

The Astros a couple of years ago.
Yeah, didn't they fire Jimy Williams at the all-star break, and then win the Central?

[VanMan]

Cherry works an 0-2 count on Hall. Hall busts his bat, and grounds it to Izturis for the second out.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Has there been a game when the Cubs have been blown out so far?

Nope, but they have blown there chance at blowing out a teambut instead we took the loss. Not a good way to make a name for yourself thats for sure. We led by 5 early in a game with our "ACE" on the mound and we blew the lead!!:mad: :mad: :mad:

[VanMan]

Mench singles up the middle.

Len and Bob finding some puns for Cherry.

[VanMan]

Hart shoots one over Lee for a single, Mench advances to third.

[VanMan]

Cherry throws a breaking ball to Miller for a strike, then misses the 0-1. The 1-1 is swung on and missed, 1-2. Barrett wanted the next pitch to be high, but Cherry overthrew it, 2-2. Miller fouls the 2-2 off. Then a change-up catches the inside corner to freeze Miller and retire the side. No runs, two hits, two left.

Middle 8th, Brewers 4, Cubs 0

[VanMan]

Update on the NBA game, Bulls now lead the Heat 99-84 with 1:52 to go in the game. It looks like they'll take a 2-0 lead to Miami for Friday's game 3.

[VanMan]

Soriano leads off the bottom of the 8th, taking a ball low in the dirt. Next pitch is fouled off. The 1-1 is away, ball two. Soriano fouls the 2-1 off his front foot. He hooks the 2-2 foul. Next pitch is high, full count. Soriano then swings and misses a change for the first out.

[VanMan]

Pie takes a change low, 1-0. Next pitch jams him, popped into the middle of the diamond, Graffanino squeezes it for the second out. Rain starting to get heavier.

[ryno4ever]

starting to rain at Wrigley

[ryno4ever]

Time to take Soriano out of the game..... don't need him to re-injure the hammy

[VanMan]

Lee steps in, takes one high and away. Next pitch, a fastball on the outside corner for a strike. The 1-1 is outside, ball two. Lee swings and misses a fastball, 2-2. Eyre is going to work out his problems in the 9th. Lee fouls one behind first base. Lee chops one off the plate, Hardy able to charge and throw to get Lee.

End 8th, Brewers 4, Cubs 0

[VanMan]

starting to rain at Wrigley
Has been raining since about the 3rd or 4th inning.

[ARamfan]

I'm very concerned about Eyre heading to the mound! :(

[VanMan]

Eyre coming in to work the 9th. First pitch to Graffanino is low. Next pitch is singled past Izturis.

[VanMan]

I'm very concerned about Eyre heading to the mound! :(
Lou's idea is to help him work out what is wrong with his early part of the season.

[ryno4ever]

Wow, going back through last year, the last time the Cubs had any sort of winning streak was a four game winning streak back in August 13-August 16th!

[VanMan]

Counsell singles the first pitch he sees.

[ryno4ever]

Error (eyre) on the mound???? UGH

[VanMan]

Weeks takes a strike. Next pitch is fouled. Then, Weeks swings and misses for a three-pitch strike out.

[ryno4ever]

Lucky for us, the Cardinals are having just as much trouble winning at home... and that's where the Cubs are headed tomorrow after the game.

[VanMan]

Hardy takes one outside for a ball. The 1-0 is also outside. The 2-0 catches the black for a strike. Eyre misses low, 3-1. Inside, bases loaded!

[ryno4ever]

Here comes the blowout we were talking about... Carlos Lee...oops, I mean Prince Fielder up to bat

[ryno4ever]

Carlos Lee, Prince Fielder, just call them all the Cub Killers.

[ryno4ever]

3-0????? Bases loaded?????? I guess walking in a run is better than giving up a grand slam, huh?

[VanMan]

Prince Fielder, who had the home run that put the Brewers ahead, is now up. Eyre throws one in the dirt away. Second pitch is high, 2-0. Low, ball 3. No where to put him, Eyre has to throw a strike. Fastball for a strike, 3-1, and the crowd gives a Bronx Cheer. No action in the Cubs pen. Fielder fouls one to the fans on the left side. Another pitch fouled. Fielder rips one off the Brewer dugout, still full. Fielder then swings at a slider and misses for the second out of the inning.

[VanMan]

Hall takes one low and in. The 1-0 catches the knees, 1-1. Eyre finds the outside corner, 1-2. Hall is 10-43 in his career with the bases loaded with one grand slam. Busted bat grounder to Ramirez, fair, Ramirez steps on third for the force. No runs, two hits, three left.

Middle 9th, Brewers 4, Cubs 0

[Drockvb]

Typical cubs baseball tonight. :mad:

[VanMan]

Turnbow in again in a non-save situation. Ramirez up to start the 9th for the Cubs. Slider catches the plate for a strike. Ramirez hooks one into the left field grandstands for a foul, 0-2. Pitch in the dirt, 1-2. Ramirez pops one up, but it finds the seats on the right side. Ramirez spoils another one. Another foul, along the left side. Nice battle going on this AB. Turnbow throws a fastball away, but Ramirez fouls it off again. Eighth pitch coming... Ramirez flies to Hall for the first out.

[VanMan]

Typical cubs baseball tonight. :mad:
It seems that way.

[VanMan]

Barrett takes a fastball from Turnbow for a strike. Next pitch is low, 1-1. Fastball away catches the plate for a strike, 1-2. Barrett chases one in the dirt, Miller has to throw to Fielder to retire him.

[VanMan]

Ward batting now for Eyre. He takes the first pitch outside for a ball. Turnbow comes back to the inside part of the plate for a strike, 1-1. Change hits the dirt, 2-1. Fastball away, 3-1. Fastball up and in for a walk. DeRosa next.

[VanMan]

Turnbow throws a strike to DeRosa on the outside corner. DeRosa fouls one off, 0-2. Rain picking up again. Check swing, didn't go, 1-2. DeRosa fouls one off the screen. Off speed pitch too high, 2-2. Fastball high, full count. Ward might go on the pitch. DeRosa drills one to left, Mench slips and drops the ball, Ward comes around to score, DeRosa's to second. Don't know how that'll be scored, but it's 4-1, no more shutout.

[VanMan]

DeRosa credited with a double.

Ned Yost coming out to pull Turnbow in favor of Cordero. This would be a save situation now, since the tying run would be on deck.

[ryno4ever]

I'm back, had to get the little guy to bed...

[ryno4ever]

If it's raining hard, it's gotta be hard to grip the ball you would think....advantage goes to the Cubs, I would believe.

[ryno4ever]

I don't like the fact KKFloyd is up, though

[ryno4ever]

Exactly my point.

[ryno4ever]

Another day...another loss at home.

[VanMan]

Cordero enters the game to face Cliff Floyd. First pitch high and away, ball one. Next pitch, fastball caught the corner, 1-1. Floyd batting for Izturis. Another fastball away, hit the corner, 1-2. Floyd is 1-1 with a double and a walk against Cordero. But Floyd swings and misses at a change up to end the game. One run, two hits, one left.

Final score, Brewers 4, Cubs 1

W - Suppan (3-2)
L - Hill (3-1)
S - Cordero (8)

[ARamfan]

I'm back, had to get the little guy to bed...

Unfortunately we have no good news for you. :(

[ryno4ever]

Unfortunately we have no good news for you. :(

I had the game on the radio.... ho, hum.

[taz57]

I have a lineup that might fix this thing:

Theriot 2b
Murton rf
Lee 1b
Ramirez 3b
Soriano lf
Barrett c
DeRosa ss
Pie cf
Pitcher

Try this for two solid weeks, and they will start winning some games.

[VanMan]

I have a lineup that might fix this thing:

Theriot 2b
Murton rf
Lee 1b
Ramirez 3b
Soriano lf
Barrett c
DeRosa ss
Pie cf
Pitcher

Try this for two solid weeks, and they will start winning some games.
I think Soriano could be either the two, six or seven hitter, not the five, because Barrett should be fifth. I'm not certain Murton belongs in the two.