5/1 CHC@PIT 6 p.m., TV: CSN, Radio: WGN

[VanMan]

Game two of the three-game set at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Starting pitchers:

Ted Lilly
vs.
Tony Armas, Jr.

[VanMan]

Due to the inability of FogPog to load on my end until well into the second inning, here is the summary of the game to this point:

Top 1st, Soriano leads off the game with a long home run to straight-away center field, Floyd strikes out swinging, Lee flies out to right center, and Ramirez pops to second.
Middle 1st, Cubs 1, Pirates coming up

Bottom 1st, Duffy singles to right, then Wilson and Sanchez both reach on bunt singles to load the bases. Bay strikes out looking. Ryan Doumit walks to bring in Wilson. Bautista grounds to Lee, who tries to start a 3-6-1 double play; Lee does get Doumit at second, but the relay back to Lilly sails into the dugout, Wilson and Sanchez score. LaRoche grounds out to Lee to end the inning.
End 1st, Pirates 3, Cubs 1

Top 2nd, Barrett grounds out to Bautista, Jones homers to straight-away center, DeRosa singles to center, Izturis strikes out swinging, Lilly strikes out swining.
Middle 2nd, Pirates 3, Cubs 2

Bottom 2nd, Paulino singles to left; Armas bunts, ruled a sacrifice, and reaches because Barrett tries to cut down Paulino at second; Duffy sacrifices to Lilly; Wilson sac flies to Jones, Paulino scores; Sanches singles to center, but Jones cuts down Armas at the plate because he didn't slide into home.
End 2nd, Pirates 4, Cubs 2

[VanMan]

The third inning was mainly uneventful. In the top half, Soriano started with an infield single to Wilson, and then two batters later, Lee hits a single to center, advancing Soriano to third. Both were stranded.

Then the Pirates went 1-2-3.

End 3rd, Pirates 4, Cubs 2

[VanMan]

Top of the 4th, Barrett goes to 2-2. Next pitch is low and in to make it full. He shoots one to LaRoche, who bobbles it, able to recover and get it to Armas in time for the first out.

[VanMan]

Jones takes the first pitch away, then takes the next pitch for a strike. The 1-1 is low in the dirt, and the 2-1 is fouled off. The 2-2 is low and in, full count. Jones fouls one at the plate. He then takes one just past his shins for a walk.

[VanMan]

DeRosa takes a curve on the outside corner for a strike. Next pitch is inside for a ball. The 1-1 is away, 2-1. Next pitch is a backdoor curve, taken for a strike. DeRosa fouls the next pitch off, still 2-2. Armas tries to pick off Jones. DeRosa flies to center, Duffy able to catch it for the second out.

[VanMan]

Izturis fouls off the first pitch. The 0-1 misses. Izturis bounces the 1-1 foul. He then pops one to Bay for the third out.

Middle 4th, Pirates 4, Cubs 2

[VanMan]

Bottom 4th, LaRoche pops the first pitch he sees foul, but Barrett is able to make the catch. One out.

[VanMan]

Paulino fouls off the first pitch into the stands. He swings and misses to make it 0-2. He then takes a high fastball into the left-center field seats for a home run, 5-2 Pirates. :(

[VanMan]

Armas takes the first pitch for a strike, then swings and misses the second. He takes one high and tight, 1-2. Armas strikes out swinging, two out.

[ARamfan]

Hi VanMan,

I couldn't load either. Just able to login now. Thanks for the game update though. I missed the 2nd, 3rd and most of the 4th inning because I had to pick my son up.

[VanMan]

Duffy fouls off the first pitch. Can't hold up on a checked swing, 0-2. Lilly tries a slow curve, short of the plate, 1-2. A 55-footer makes it 2-2. Duffy fouls off the 2-2. Low and away to fill the count. Duffy then shoots one past the first-base coach foul. A high floater Ks Duffy, and he's incredulous. He may have been ejected the way the umpire acted following the call.

End 4th, Pirates 5, Cubs 2

[VanMan]

Looks like the gang's starting to straggle in. I wonder what was going on with the site.

[roenick99]

Hi VanMan,

I couldn't load either. Just able to login now. Thanks for the game update though. I missed the 2nd, 3rd and most of the 4th inning because I had to pick my son up.

Well, you definitely aren't missing anything. It's another crappy display of baseball by this sorry excuse for a baseball team.

[VanMan]

Lilly missed a bunt, took one for a ball, swung and missed, took another ball, fouled one off, then swung and missed for the strike out.

[VanMan]

Soriano flies the first pitch to Duffy for the second out.

[VanMan]

Floyd takes an off-speed pitch for a strike, and then pops the next pitch foul. Bautista able to run under it for the third out.

Middle 5th, Pirates 5, Cubs 2

[CUBScrazy22]

My math homework seems more fun right now than watching this game. :(

[VanMan]

Wilson leads off the Pirate 5th. He takes one on the inside corner for a strike. He then turns on one and finds an open area in front of Soriano for a base hit.

[VanMan]

Rain starting to fall, Cherry getting up in the pen. Sanchez flies one to center, but right to Jones for the out.

[ARamfan]

Well, you definitely aren't missing anything. It's another crappy display of baseball by this sorry excuse for a baseball team.

I was hoping things would've improved after the bottom of the 1st while I was gone. :(

[CUBScrazy22]

Does anyone know why Cedeno hasn't been playing? I thought he had a pretty good batting average at PNC.

[VanMan]

With Bay up on the first pitch, a called strike, Barrett catches Wilson stealing second. Bay then swings and misses the next two pitches to end the inning.

End 5th, Pirates 5, Cubs 2

[VanMan]

Top 6th, Lee up. On a 1-0 count, Lee continues his doubles streak with a ground-rule double to right. That's a great way to start the inning!

[VanMan]

Ramirez takes the first pitch, off-speed, for a strike. Shoots one foul, 0-2. Grounds to Bautista for the first out. Lee holds at second.

[VanMan]

Barrett takes a fastball on the outer half for a strike. He then pops one foul into the seats, 0-2. Ball pops away from Paulino, Lee hesitates for a second, tries to advance to third, but he's gunned down. Lee slams his helmet after the play, frustrated at himself.

[VanMan]

Next pitch to Barrett is low, 2-2. Barrett then fouls the next pitch off. He flies the next pitch to Duffy in right-center.

Middle 6th, Pirates 5, Cubs 2

[VanMan]

Hey, I have to do a quick reboot of my computer. My OE is acting up.

[ARamfan]

Does anyone know why Cedeno hasn't been playing? I thought he had a pretty good batting average at PNC.

I don't know for sure, but I read today that Lou is just trying to give everyone a chance to play. I'm sure we'll see him soon.

[roenick99]

I was hoping things would've improved after the bottom of the 1st while I was gone. :(

Nope. Just when you thought they couldn't suck any worse...

Good job, DLee....

How many times do you think a team will try to steal third and fail before they realize it is just an overall bad idea?

[roenick99]

Does anyone know why Cedeno hasn't been playing? I thought he had a pretty good batting average at PNC.

Probably because his bat and defense is actually worse than Izturis'...if that is possible...

[ARamfan]

Like I mentioned last night, notice how many empty seats there are? It's kind of the way it is here in AZ. Only the premium games sell out, which includes the Cubs series each year.

[VanMan]

Murton just hit a PH RBI double to center! It's 5-3 now with Soriano coming up (and the rain falling).

[VanMan]

Pirates making a pitching change in the 7th inning. Just as they went to break, Ed Montague spoke with the Pittsburgh groundskeeper.

[VanMan]

Jonah Bayliss now pitching for the Pirates. First pitch to Soriano caught the high-inside corner. The 0-1 caught the outside corner. He lifts one to left, past Bay into the corner. Murton comes around to score to make it 5-4 Pirates.

[VanMan]

Floyd just cranked one deep to right field, and it found the Allegheny River! Cubs now lead 6-5!!!!!!

[CUBScrazy22]

I'm feeling a lot better now. :D

[VanMan]

Lee takes a strike on the outer portion. Next pitch is away, 1-1. Off-speed misses inside. The 2-1 is away. Lee going to look for one he can handle. He shoots one that finds the right field corner for another double, 16th on the year!

[CUBScrazy22]

Lee with a double, 16th on the year.

[VanMan]

Jim Culver, the Pirate pitching coach, is out to talk to Bayliss.

[CUBScrazy22]

Lee takes a strike on the outer portion. Next pitch is away, 1-1. Off-speed misses inside. The 2-1 is away. Lee going to look for one he can handle. He shoots one that finds the right field corner for another double, 16th on the year!

Just beat me to it! :p

[VanMan]

Ramirez will be intentionally passed to put runners at first and second with two out.

[roenick99]

You see, this is the way this team is supposed to work. When the pitcher can't get it done, the offense is supposed to pick it up and pound the opposition into submission. This losing 2-1 and 3-2 and 1-0 crap just isn't going to cut it anymore. Nothing makes me madder than when your starting pitcher throws a gem or even a good game and comes away with nothing, or worse yet, a loss as Lilly has endured twice this year. This poor bastard should be 4-0, at least...

[VanMan]

Bayliss throws one to Barrett that misses well outside. Lee does not attempt to advance when it got away from Paulino. Barrett then hits one right at Wilson, who flips it to Sanchez to retire the side.

But the damage has been done!!! Four runs! Five hits! All with two out!

Middle 7th, Cubs 6, Pirates 5

[VanMan]

Murton stays in the game to play right field, and (gasp!) Bob Howry comes in to pitch!

[ARamfan]

I'm feeling a lot better now. :D

Me too, Lisa. I knew we could turn it around in one inning. I have a lot of confidence in Cliff Floyd after seeing him here in ST. Let's hope they can hang on to it. ;)

[VanMan]

Duffy takes the first pitch for a strike. He fouls one off to the left side, 0-2. Next pitch is low, 1-2. Duffy grounds one past first foul. Lightning is seen in the area. And now Montigue has called hault to the game. I hope we get it restarted, or else the game ends 5-2 Pirates after six.

[roenick99]

Duffy takes the first pitch for a strike. He fouls one off to the left side, 0-2. Next pitch is low, 1-2. Duffy grounds one past first foul. Lightning is seen in the area. And now Montigue has called hault to the game. I hope we get it restarted, or else the game ends 5-2 Pirates after six.

Did I miss something? I thought the Cubs have the lead 6-5?

[ARamfan]

Did I miss something? I thought the Cubs have the lead 6-5?

The Cubs have the lead, there's just going to be a rain delay. Hopefully it won't be for long.

[VanMan]

Did I miss something? I thought the Cubs have the lead 6-5?
Here's the situation: If the game is called, since the 7th inning hasn't been completed, and the visiting team is ahead, the game will either be suspended and resumed tomorrow or be rolled back to the last full inning completed, which was the 6th. At that point, Pittsburgh was leading 5-2.

[VanMan]

I just looked up the Rules of Baseball on MLB.com to clarify the situation. This is according to Rule 4.12:

4.12(a) A game shall become a suspended game that must be completed at a future date if the game is terminated for any of the following reasons: (5) Weather, if a regulation game is called while an inning is in progress and before the inning is completed, and the visiting team has scored one or more runs to take the lead, and the home team has not retaken the lead. (9) If a game is suspended after it is a regulation game, and is continued prior to another regularly scheduled game, the regularly scheduled game will be a nine inning game.
4.12(b) A suspended game shall be resumed and completed as follows: (1) Immediately preceding the next scheduled single game between the two clubs on the same grounds.

So, if the game cannot be completed tonight, they should suspend the game and resume it in the morning prior to tomorrow's game if they can play it tomorrow. Otherwise, they'd have to wait until the Cubs' next trip to Pittsburgh.

[ARamfan]

Here's the situation: If the game is called, since the 7th inning hasn't been completed, and the visiting team is ahead, the game will either be suspended and resumed tomorrow or be rolled back to the last full inning completed, which was the 6th. At that point, Pittsburgh was leading 5-2.

I hope this isn't the case. :eek: If they have to finish it tomorrow, it will have to be awfully early since the start time is at 11:35 a.m.

[VanMan]

I'm looking at the radar on NBC's WeatherPlus.com, and I see a big swath of green surrounding the Pittsburgh area. I don't know which way the front is going, because it's not animated, but its nothing but green right now. No yellows, oranges or reds.

[VanMan]

I just looked at the animated radar on The Weather Channel's site, and the storm is moving southeast, probably about 30 mph. It's going to be a while at least before they can get the game going again. Probably an hour or two.

[VanMan]

Len just came on the air and said that if they can't restart the game tonight, the game will be suspended and restarted tomorrow.

[ARamfan]

Len just came on the air and said that if they can't restart the game tonight, the game will be suspended and restarted tomorrow.

That will be a very early start for me since it was already going to be a 9:35 a.m. for me here in AZ (11:35 a.m. Chicago time). I'm still hoping they'll finish it tonight. :(

[VanMan]

That will be a very early start for me since it was already going to be a 9:35 a.m. for me here in AZ (11:35 a.m. Chicago time). I'm still hoping they'll finish it tonight. :(
Well, it is quarter to 10 in Pittsburgh right now, so they might wait an hour or two before calling it. It looks like the storm may pass in that time.

[VanMan]

They just announced that CSN will go to the Sox-Mariners game right now and through the rain delay, and that if the Cubs-Pirates resumes, it will return to CSN and Sox-Mariners will remain on CSN+, which is simulcast on there now.

[ryno4ever]

I DON'T WANT TO WATCH THE FREAKING WHITE SOX!!!!!!!!! UGH! Why is it once we get momentum going, some freak thing happens to stop it?

[ARamfan]

I DON'T WANT TO WATCH THE FREAKING WHITE SOX!!!!!!!!! UGH! Why is it once we get momentum going, some freak thing happens to stop it?

Ain't that the truth :mad: But looking on the bright side, nice to hear from you, Heather.

[VanMan]

I DON'T WANT TO WATCH THE FREAKING WHITE SOX!!!!!!!!! UGH! Why is it once we get momentum going, some freak thing happens to stop it?
Five letters, Heather: C, U, R, S and E.

[SkullKey]

Well ..... welcome Miss May and thank you Mr. Floyd ! What a difference a new month makes. This team is playing tonight like I think most of us thought they would and we knew they could. 3HR, including starters for Soriano and J. Jones.

Meanwhile: Cincinnatti is making May miserable for Houston with a huge lead (10 - 1) in the 6th. And Milwaukee now has 7 in the last 2 innings against St. Louis [edit: it just gets better evey time MLB Scoreboard refreshes: it's now 11 runs in the last 2 innings]. How sweet !

I would like to thank you for doing these threads Van Man. I, for one, really appreciate them . They function as transcripts for later too.

A little luck (and good baseball) and the Cubs might be 2 games under .500 this time tomorrow.

[VanMan]

I would like to thank you for doing these threads Van Man. I, for one, really appreciated them . They function as transcripts for later too.
It's my pleasure, SkullKey. Doing play-by-play announcing is what I wanted to do when I got to this age, but I never got into the broadcasing end of journalism.

[ARamfan]

It's my pleasure, SkullKey. Doing play-by-play announcing is what I wanted to do when I got to this age, but I never got into the broadcasing end of journalism.

I already thanked you too, VanMan. I appreciate these threads also. And we can refer back to them as the season goes on. I mentioned to you on another thread that I also have a degree in print journalism, but there's no money in that so I've focused on editing and public relations. You ought to look into broadcasting. ;)

[VanMan]

I already thanked you too, VanMan. I appreciate these threads also. And we can refer back to them as the season goes on. I mentioned to you on another thread that I also have a degree in print journalism, but there's no money in that so I've focused on editing and public relations. You ought to look into broadcasting. ;)
Well, I tried to do so, getting in on a local sports radio talk show, but I never got a call for an interview. The show in question has been off the air since the most recent host left, and since, they've hired a new guy to just read the local sports stories during the day.

[ARamfan]

Well, I tried to do so, getting in on a local sports radio talk show, but I never got a call for an interview. The show in question has been off the air since the most recent host left, and since, they've hired a new guy to just read the local sports stories during the day.

Well, if you have the talent you have to just keep on trying. Make a nuisance of yourself and they'll give you a shot. ;)

[VanMan]

Well, if you have the talent you have to just keep on trying. Make a nuisance of yourself and they'll give you a shot. ;)
I just dropped the PD an e-mail.

[VanMan]

John Kruk just made a bold prediction that the Pirates will be leading the NL Central by the end of May! What a Kruk, er crock!

[ryno4ever]

Hi everyone, the game to resume shortly... I'll be on and off... I decided to try to undergo a "home improvement" project...and now I am definately thinking I am crazy! I had carpet in my bathroom, and I just tore it out and am working on putting laminate flooring in there! UGH! I really hate being impulsive...because now I started it and have NO DESIRE to finish it!

[ARamfan]

Hi everyone, the game to resume shortly... I'll be on and off... I decided to try to undergo a "home improvement" project...and now I am definately thinking I am crazy! I had carpet in my bathroom, and I just tore it out and am working on putting laminate flooring in there! UGH! I really hate being impulsive...because now I started it and have NO DESIRE to finish it!

But you will be listening to the game and checking in with us, right? :)

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

Five letters, Heather: C, U, R, S and E.

Don't forget the goat, black cat, Santa Claus:D !

[VanMan]

Just switched from ESPN to CSN. They were still showing the Sox-M's game. Anyone know exactly when they'll restart the Cubs-Pirates?

[VanMan]

Chuck Garfin said they've taken off the tarp, but it's raining again.

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

It's my pleasure, SkullKey. Doing play-by-play announcing is what I wanted to do when I got to this age, but I never got into the broadcasing end of journalism.

Yeah thanks VanMan I rather have one of us recording the game considering Poo-Holes thinks he can walk on 3 pitches!! lol Anyone else see that from monday nights Brewers Cardinals game? He walked on 3 pitches and no one seemed to notice!

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

Chuck Garfin said they've taken off the tarp, but it's raining again.

damn, I kinda hope they call it given it would be their first win within 1 run!

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

Can anyone guess who that is on my avatar? Heres a hint, its not Hee-Seop Choi.

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

I'm gonna check the local radar.

[VanMan]

The game has been suspended, and will be resumed tomorrow morning at 11:30 a.m. CT (12:30 p.m. ET). There will be 30 minutes between the end of the completion of the suspended game and the start of the regularly-scheduled game.

Unfortunately, I probably won't be here to complete this game. I have to pick up my grandmother to take her to a nearby eye clinic, and then I have to take my mother to lunch. I also won't be able to do most of the regular game, either, as I have an eye doctor's appointment myself at 3 p.m. I'll see you guys around.

Go Cubs!

[ARamfan]

Can anyone guess who that is on my avatar? Heres a hint, its not Hee-Seop Choi.

I can't guess. But I do miss the Homer Simpson avatar!

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

I'm gonna say they call this one. Its still coming in from the west.

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

Never mind, the radar is over an hour old!

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

Why would they resume this game? I know there playing one more game but its an official game!

[ryno4ever]

Why would they resume this game? I know there playing one more game but its an official game!

It's not official because we had just went ahead and the Pirates haven't had a chance to bat to even it (home team advantage).

And, Mara, yes, I planned on checking in and had every TV on in the house so I could keep tabs. Funny story: I had to run down the road to get our supper, and the Cubs were down. My son wanted to stay here and watch the game, I told him, Okay, but the Cubs had better have the lead when I come back.... (we were down 5-2)...and when I pulled in the driveway is when Floyd was hitting that home run. I walked in the house, and my son says "Okay, mom, they're winning, where's my food?"

This bathroom project is becoming a disaster! I got half of it done, was grouting it... but since I am covered in glue head to toe, I had the water in the sink running a little to be able to keep washing the glue off before I worked on the next tile... well, as I was grouting, the water ran over the sink and onto my new tile!!!!!!:mad: I'm telling you, I am the WRONG person to try to do stuff like this, but the guy at Menards assured me I could do this! And the part I have done is the easy part...I have no clue how to tile around the toilet! It wouldn't be so bad, but it is my only bathroom in the house! UGH!

[Madden King]

Well, they went on and wrapped up the game today and The Cubs held on won, 8-6.

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

I can't guess. But I do miss the Homer Simpson avatar!

lol yeah it was a good one. The avatar is of sweet Lou!

[ARamfan]

lol yeah it was a good one. The avatar is of sweet Lou!

NO WAY! Is it really? I've never seen it before and would never have guessed. You really kept me in suspense there wondering! lol :D

[VanMan]

I guess we could've figured it out if we were able to see the signature on the card. That is one old picture!

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

I guess we could've figured it out if we were able to see the signature on the card. That is one old picture!

Yes it is. It took me some time to find a good Piniella card.

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

NO WAY! Is it really? I've never seen it before and would never have guessed. You really kept me in suspense there wondering! lol :D

Haha! Thats what I was going for! I'll be going back to a drunk Homer soon though:D !