5/8 PIT @ CHC, 7:05 p.m., TV: WCIU, Radio: WGN

[VanMan]

First of a three-game set between the Pittsburgh Pirates (13-17, 5th place, 8 GB) and the Chicago Cubs (15-14, 2nd place, 5.5 GB) in beautiful Wrigley Field.

http://www.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_430636.jpg
Ian Snell (2-2, 2.31 ERA)

vs.

http://www.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_150404.jpg
Ted Lilly (2-2, 2.82 ERA)

The starting line-ups for tonight's game:

For the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates:

1. Chris Duffy, CF (.237, 2 HR, 8 RBI)
2. Jack Wilson, SS (.288, 1 HR, 5 RBI)
3. Freddy Sanchez, 2B (.258, 0 HR, 4 RBI)
4. Jason Bay, LF (.265, 4 HR, 18 RBI)
5. Xavier Nady, RF (.243, 4 HR, 13 RBI)
6. Adam LaRoche, 1B (.167, 3 HR, 13 RBI)
7. Ronny Paulino, C (.217, 3 HR, 9 RBI)
8. Jose Bautista, 3B (.264, 2 HR, 9 RBI)
9. Ian Snell, P (.182, 0 HR, 0 RBI)

For the homestanding Chicago Cubs:

1. Alfonso Soriano, LF (.303, 2 HR, 5 RBI)
2. Ryan Theriot, 2B (.312, 0 HR, 11 RBI)
3. Derek Lee, 1B (.414, 2 HR, 21 RBI)
4. Aramis Ramirez, 3B (.277, 6 HR, 18 RBI)
5. Cliff Floyd, RF (.292, 2 HR, 13 RBI)
6. Michael Barrett, C (.235, 4 HR, 17 RBI)
7. Jacque Jones, CF (.297, 1 HR, 10 RBI)
8. Cesar Izturis, SS (.210, 0 HR, 3 RBI)
9. Ted Lilly, P (.071, 0 HR, 1 RBI)

The Cubs are going for their sixth straight win and ninth in their last 10.

[VanMan]

I'm going to give some summaries of the action while taking it from the radio call of Pat Hughes and Ron Santo. Again, this game is not available on TV where I live, since I live well outside WCIU's broadcast area.

[VanMan]

65 degrees at game time, winds going from right to left at 4 mph

[VanMan]

Duffy leads off the game by lining out to Floyd in right-center. One down.

[VanMan]

Wilson pops to Lee on a full-count pitch, two down.

[VanMan]

Sanchez hits a low liner, but Soriano got on his horse and was able to make the play to retire the side.

Middle 1st, Pirates 0, Cubs coming up

[VanMan]

Soriano leads off the Cubs' effort with a smash past Wilson's glove into center field for a base hit! One on for Theriot!

[VanMan]

With Theriot hitting, the first pitch gets past Paulino for a wild pitch, Soriano advances to second with no one out.

[VanMan]

Theriot hits one to Sanchez, who makes a back-handed stop. He's able to throw out Theriot just in time. Soriano advances to third with one out for Lee.

[VanMan]

Lee flies to Duffy, but Soriano doesn't attempt to come home on the tag-up. Failed opportunity, maybe. Two out for Ramirez with Soriano still at third.

[VanMan]

Ramirez hits a shallow fly to Nady to retire the side. Cubs get a lead-off hit, but strand the runner at third.

End 1st, Cubs 0, Pirates 0

[VanMan]

Bay leads off the second with a double past Ramirez. Runner on second, no out for Nady.

[ryno4ever]

HI Van.... have I ever mentioned that I hate when the games are on WCIU?

[VanMan]

Nady lines a base hit to left, but Bay haults at third. Runners on the corners, no one out for LaRoche.

[ryno4ever]

Nats are up 1-0 against Brewers in the first inning.

[VanMan]

HI Van.... have I ever mentioned that I hate when the games are on WCIU?
Yes, you have. I agree with you.

[VanMan]

LaRoche can't hold up his swing on an 0-2 pitch. Umpire rings him up. One down!

[ryno4ever]

DARN IT!

[VanMan]

Paulino grounds to Ramirez, but he juggles, gets Paulino at first, but Bay scores on the grounder. 1-0 Pirates with Nady at second and two out.

[VanMan]

Bautista walks on a full-count pitch. Runners on first and second with two out and the pitcher Snell next.

[VanMan]

Snell strikes out swinging. Pirates get one run on two hits, two left.

Middle 2nd, Pirates 1, Cubs 0

[VanMan]

Floyd starts the Cub 2nd with a fly ball to left, Bay able to get to it for the out.

[VanMan]

Barrett lines one to left for a base hit. One on, one out for Jones.

[ryno4ever]

Brewers just answered the run....tie game at 1 in the 1st.

[VanMan]

Jones swung and missed at one in the dirt on an 0-2 pitch. Two out for Izturis with Barrett on first.

[ryno4ever]

grrrrr....swinging at the dirt! I hate days off, too! The momentum seemed to have stopped.

[VanMan]

Izturis grounds out to Sanchez to end the inning. No runs, one hit, one left.

End 2nd, Pirates 1, Cubs 0

[VanMan]

They'll get back the mo' sometime in this game. Still have seven innings to play.

[VanMan]

Duffy grounds out to Theriot to start the third inning.

[VanMan]

Wilson flies to shallow left field, Soriano able to make the catch, two down.

[VanMan]

Sanchez popped the first pitch behind the mound to Lee. Three up, three down!

Middle 3rd, Pirates 1, Cubs 0

[VanMan]

Lilly leads off the Cub third. He fouled off an 0-2 that just dribbled that way, but then grounds hard down the line to Bautista. He's able to get up and throw out Lilly for the first out.

[VanMan]

Soriano gets hit by the pitch, just grazed him in the shoulder, so he'll take first base with one out.

[ryno4ever]

Ronnie just said Snelll can get wild.... hopefully that wildness will be to our benefit.

[VanMan]

With Theriot up, Soriano steals second. Paulino was unable to make the throw to second.

[VanMan]

Theriot lines to right, Soriano rounds third, Nady throws to the plate, Soriano slides, SAFE! Theriot to second on the throw! Paulino and Jim Tracy are arguing the play, thinking Paulino made the tag.

[VanMan]

Lee flies deep to center, Duffy goes back to the track, and he has enough room in front of the ivy to haul it in. Theriot holds at second with two out.

[VanMan]

Ramirez works the count full, but then swings and misses on a slider, but the Cubs do score one to tie it on one hit, one left.

End 3rd, Cubs 1, Pirates 1

[VanMan]

Bay leads off the 4th with a pop-up to center, Izturis, Theriot and Jones converge on the ball, but Izturis catches it.

[VanMan]

Nady pops to shallow center, Izturis and Theriot converge, Izturis drops the ball, Nady stops at first with a single.

[VanMan]

LaRoche flies out to Soriano for the second out.

[VanMan]

Paulino flies to left-center, Jones tries to dive, but can't get it. It did hit off the glove. Nady comes all the way around to score from first on a two-out double. 2-1 Pirates.

[VanMan]

Bautista strikes out swinging to end the inning.

Middle 4th, Pirates 2, Cubs 1

[VanMan]

Floyd strikes out on a check swing, one out.

[VanMan]

Barrett strikes out swinging on a low breaking ball. Two down.

[VanMan]

Jones bounces to second, Sanches throws him out to end the inning.

End 4th, Pirates 2, Cubs 1

[VanMan]

Snell starts the 5th/3rd Bank 5th Inning. He pops up to shallow center, Theriot makes the catch.

[VanMan]

Duffy hits a high chop to Lilly. He fires to Lee, but put too much mustard on the ball. Theriot able to back up the play to keep Duffy at first. It was scored as a single.

[VanMan]

Wilson pops to shallow right. Theriot calls off Floyd to make the catch, two down.

[VanMan]

Sanchez flies to Soriano to end the inning. No runs, one hit, one left.

Middle 5th, Pirates 2, Cubs 1

[VanMan]

Izturis grounds to short, Lilly gets a base hit after grounding to short. Soriano then loops one to center for a single, advancing Lilly to second with one out for Theriot.

[ryno4ever]

Okay, I reallly love THE RIOT!!!!!!!!!!

[VanMan]

Theriot gets a base hit to right field. Quade waves Lilly around to score and re-tie the game! Soriano advances to second. Lee next.

[ryno4ever]

DER-RICK...DER-RICK....DER-RICK!

[ryno4ever]

Soriano is not having a good night on the bases.

[VanMan]

Soriano tries to advance to third after a pitch gets away Paulino, but Paulino was able to track it down and throw out Soriano at third. Theriot remains at first. Lee then grounds to Bautista to end the inning.

However, one run on three hits, one left.

End 5th, Cubs 2, Pirates 2

[VanMan]

Bay retired on a line drive to Ramirez. One away.

[VanMan]

Nady hits one foul on a 1-1 pitch down the left field line that may have had home run distance, but foul by 20 to 30 feet (according to Pat).

[VanMan]

Nady then strikes out swinging three pitches later.

[VanMan]

LaRoche bounces one over first fair into the Pirate bullpen. He cruises into second with a double.

[VanMan]

Paulino, who has both RBIs for the Pirates so far, hits a fly ball to Floyd to retire the side. No runs, one hit, one left.

Middle 6th, Cubs 2, Pirates 2

[VanMan]

Ramirez leads off the bottom of the 6th with a grounder to LaRoche. He takes it unassisted for the first out.

[VanMan]

Floyd strikes out swinging on a low breaking ball.

[VanMan]

Barrett grounds to Wilson for the third out.

End 6th, Cubs 2, Pirates 2

[VanMan]

Bautista leads off the 7th with a line drive base hit in front of Soriano.

[VanMan]

Snell bunts back to Lilly for the sacrifice. Bautista to second with one out.

[VanMan]

Michael Wuertz starting to get loose in the Cubs' bullpen.

[VanMan]

Duffy grounds to Izturis, HE THROWS TO THIRD!!! GOT HIM!!!! Bautista cut down on the fielder's choice, 6-5.

[VanMan]

Wilson, with two out, hits a fly ball to shallow center, Jones calls off Theriot to retire the side.

Middle 7th, Cubs 2, Pirates 2

[VanMan]

Update from outside sports: Billy Ray Cyrus has been eliminated from Dancing With The Stars in fifth place, with pro partner Karina Smirnoff.

[VanMan]

Jones leads off the bottom of the seventh with a line drive that found the glove of Bautista. One out.

[VanMan]

Izturis chops to Wilson, he bobbled the ball! Izturis is safe at first, an error on Wilson. Ward to pinch hit.

[VanMan]

Ward gets a base hit to left. Izturis advances to second, one out for Soriano.

[VanMan]

Soriano lines a 2-0 in front of Bay! It gets away from him! Izturis comes in to score! Ward advances to second, two still on, one out for Theriot! Cubs now lead 3-2!!!

[VanMan]

Jim Tracy has just been thrown out of the game for arguing with the umpires about the play at second, where Ward was in just in time after overrounding the bag. Replays showed it was close, but his foot was in.

[VanMan]

Theriot lines to LaRoche, and he then tags the bag to double off Soriano, but the damage has been done. Cubs score one run on two hits, one error and two left.

End 7th, Cubs 3, Pirates 2

Bob Howry now coming in relieving Lilly, who will get the win if it holds.

[VanMan]

Sanchez greets Howry in the game with a liner to center for a single. Pie also in the game to play center field.

[VanMan]

Bay grounds to Howry, who bobbled the ball. Would've had a double play if fielded cleanly, but he has to throw to Lee for the easy out. Sanchez advances to second, one out.

[VanMan]

Nady went down 0-2, but fought back to a 2-2 count before flying into the Pirate bullpen. Lee is able to make the catch, but Sanchez tags up and advances to third with two out.

[VanMan]

Lou decides to stay with Howry against LaRoche instead of going with Ohman.

[VanMan]

LaRoche looks at strike one, checked the 0-1 but held, despite Ronnie's thoughts that he went, takes up and in for ball two, takes high for a 3-1 count. Looks like Howry was working around him, then they decide to throw an intentional ball four. Runners on the corners for Paulino.

[VanMan]

Paulino swings and misses the first pitch, bounces one foul for 0-2, fans getting on their feet, pop fly to shallow left, Soriano under it to make the catch! No runs, a hit, a walk and two left.

Middle 8th, Cubs 3, Pirates 2

[VanMan]

Lee leads off the bottom of the 8th, trying to extend his hitting and on-base streak, grounds one off the glove of Wilson for a hit! That's 30 games on base and 15 games hitting safely.

[VanMan]

Ramirez hits one down the right field line for a double, Lee rounds to third base. Second and third, no one out. Snell is being pulled for a left-handed reliever to face Pie.

[ryno4ever]

This is a good time for felix to let Lou know he made the right decision by keeping him up in the big leagues!

[VanMan]

Damaso Marte comes in to face Matt Murton, pinch hitting for Pie. He pops one up to Sanchez for the first out.

[jmorrison1]

I just tuned in. Who is Murton pinch hitting for? Pie?

[jmorrison1]

Sorry, I guess you were posting that last one at the same time I did.

[VanMan]

Pirates will walk Barrett to load the bases to bring up Jones, a lefty-lefty match-up.

[VanMan]

I just tuned in. Who is Murton pinch hitting for? Pie?
Yeah, Lou pinch hit Murton for Pie to avoid the lefty-lefty match-up that is unavoidable with Jones.

[jmorrison1]

Bases loaded with only 1 out. We hardly ever score in those situations. Sorry for the pessimism... Prove me wrong Cubs.

[VanMan]

Jones takes a strike on a fast ball. Swing and a miss on a high curve, 0-2. Fastball outside, 1-2. Another outside pitch, 2-2. Bounces to LaRoche, who steps on first, fires to the plate, Paulino is able to tag Lee for the double play. No runs, two hits, two left.

End 8th, Cubs 3, Pirates 2

Fasten your seatbelts, folks! Demp's coming in for the save!

[VanMan]

Bases loaded with only 1 out. We hardly ever score in those situations. Sorry for the pessimism... Prove me wrong Cubs.
You just had to say it. :(

[ryno4ever]

What part of the Pirates lineup is coming up?

[VanMan]

What part of the Pirates lineup is coming up?
8-9-1 coming up for the Buccos.

[VanMan]

Bautista faces Dempster first, pops one up to Theriot in short center. One out.

[ryno4ever]

If Demp gets the save, he'll have $8000 going to Project 3000!

[VanMan]

Nate McLouth pinch hitting, count went full, and walked.

[ryno4ever]

Throw freaking strikes!

[ryno4ever]

BTW..what in the heck is up with Dempster's hair?

[VanMan]

Duffy up next, he singles to right center, McLouth advances to third with one out.

[ryno4ever]

Another walk may cost us...... GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

[roenick99]

Another walk may cost us...... GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

You took the grrrrrrr right out of my mouth...

[VanMan]

Wilson, 0-for-4 entering this at bat, tries to bunt one, but foul, 0-1. Liner, foul, 0-2. He's been doubled up only once and struck out only nine times. Fouled back. Popped foul, out of play on the right side. Pop into shallow right, Murton catches, McLouth tags, the throw to the plate is not in time, tie game!

[roenick99]

I think more than the Cubs losing the lead is the fact that once again Lilly is not going to get the win because this team is retarded. It seems like they do everything in their power to NOT score when he pitches and blow the lead when he could get the win. ****!!!

How many times has he pitched a fabulous game only to not come away with the W?

[VanMan]

Sanchez up, Dempster throws a wild pitch, Duffy, who went to second on the sac fly, goes to third. He hits a short-hopped liner to Theriot to retire the side. One run, one hit, a walk and one left.

Middle 9th, Cubs 3, Pirates 3

Due up for the Cubs are Izturis, a pinch hitter, and Soriano in the ninth.

[ryno4ever]

FYI--Milwaukee won, again..... get your rally caps on, folks. we need 'em

[ARamfan]

Here we go...better hang on! :eek:

[ryno4ever]

You took the grrrrrrr right out of my mouth...

Grrrrr is not what really came out of my mouth, but for the sake of keeping the board clean, I had to type that.

[VanMan]

Capps in to pitch to Izturis. He lines to short, Wilson makes the catch.

[ryno4ever]

It's been awhile since DeRosa has sent one into the bleachers......

[roenick99]

I don't care how many games the Cubs have won out of their last 10. This **** never ceases to piss me off! Even if they lose this game I won't be any more pissed off than I am right now...

[ARamfan]

BTW..what in the heck is up with Dempster's hair?

The other day Len and Bob mentioned that Ryan just turned 30, and maybe the longer hair is part of a mid-life crisis!

[VanMan]

DeRosa pinch hits for Dempster. He pops to the right side, foul territory, LaRoche over to make the play, two down.

[roenick99]

It's been awhile since DeRosa has sent one into the bleachers......

Well, there is nobody on base so he can't hit into a double play...

[ryno4ever]

unbelievable... WHY CAN'T THEY FREAKING SCORE WHEN THEY HAD RUNNERS IN SCORING POSITION? HOW MANY TIMES DID THHEY HAVE THE CHANCE TO SCORE EARLIER AND BLEW IT?????

[VanMan]

Soriano bounces to Wilson to retire the side.

End 9th, Cubs 3, Pirates 3

We're going to need to win another one in extras.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

I am tired of seeing this team leave men in scoring position with no outs!!!! Thats not what a good offensive team does.

[ryno4ever]

I don't care how many games the Cubs have won out of their last 10. This **** never ceases to piss me off! Even if they lose this game I won't be any more pissed off than I am right now...

I'm with ya... this is simply absurd! Walks have haunted us EVERY TIME! Stupid baserunning mistakes, and not getting the runner at second or third in. I keep thinking back to the first when Soriano was on first and didn't score on Lee's fly out.

[VanMan]

unbelievable... WHY CAN'T THEY FREAKING SCORE WHEN THEY HAD RUNNERS IN SCORING POSITION? HOW MANY TIMES DID THHEY HAVE THE CHANCE TO SCORE EARLIER AND BLEW IT?????
I think there was at least three runs that they should've scored in this game that they didn't. Soriano in the first inning couldn't get a jump on a supposed sac fly by Lee, and the Cubs had bases loaded in the 8th with one out and couldn't score.

[VanMan]

Wuertz in to pitch for the Cubs.

[VanMan]

Bay gets a base hit past Izturis to lead off the 10th inning.

[ryno4ever]

Here we go again... baserunners to start out the inning...and Nady, a Cub Killer up to bat

[ryno4ever]

THROW STRIKES!

[VanMan]

Nady walks, putting runners on first and second and no one out. Lou's coming out to pull Wuertz... TO BRING IN OHMAN!!!

[ryno4ever]

OH NO!!!!!!!!!!!!! OHMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ryno4ever]

Did Pat just say "full cup 1 and 1"?

[ryno4ever]

whew.

[ryno4ever]

Way to go Ohman!!!!!!!!!

[VanMan]

LaRoche faces Ohman, he strikes out swinging on a 1-2 pitch, low and away, and that's the only batter he faces. Lou brings in Rocky Cherry to face Paulino.

[VanMan]

Paulino faces Cherry, hit high in the air for Murton. Bay tags from second to third, Nady stays at first. Two out for Bautista.

[ryno4ever]

please strike him out, please strike him out, please strike him out...

[VanMan]

Bautista swings and misses the first pitch, a breaking ball. Checks the 0-1 from Cherry, did not go. The 1-1 is low and away, and Barrett is able to keep in front of the pitch. The 2-1 is a curve, called strike two. Crowd stands again. The 2-2 is again in the dirt. Barrett makes another good save. The payoff pitch... fly ball left field, Soriano's there to make the catch near the foul line.

No runs, one hit, a walk and two left.

Middle 10th, Cubs 3, Pirates 3

[ARamfan]

No excuse for us not to win this game now with The Riot, Lee and Rammy coming up! :cool:

[VanMan]

No excuse for us not to win this game now with The Riot, Lee and Rammy coming up! :cool:
Yup. The boppers of the order due.

[VanMan]

Theriot takes the first pitch from Capps for a strike. Next pitch is low, 1-1. The 1-1 is high and tight, almost hit Theriot, 2-1. Bounces up the middle over the second-base bag, Wilson gloves it, but the throw is late. Theriot with an infield single.

[ryno4ever]

I think I've mentioned a couple of times, I LOVE THE RIOT!

[VanMan]

Lee bounces the first pitch foul. Theriot running, pitch high, throw to second not in time!

[ryno4ever]

Theriot needs to steal second to stay out of the double play
(as I typed it....HE DID IT! I LOVE THIS KID!)

[ryno4ever]

one mistake...that's all it's going to take from the Pirate's pitching.... one mistake

[VanMan]

Lee takes the 1-1 low, count now 2-1. Lee hits a high fly ball to shallow right-center, Doumut catches. Theriot holds. One down for Ramirez.

[ryno4ever]

If they don't get Theriot in, I'M GOING TO SCREAM SO LOUDLY, YOU WILL ALL HEAR ME!

[VanMan]

They're going to walk Ramirez to get to Murton.

[ryno4ever]

Let's go Big Murt!

[ryno4ever]

Steal third, Theriot!

[ryno4ever]

base hit... base hit.... base hit... base hit.... base hit... base hit....

[ryno4ever]

sonava ##@$#^%$%#&^%&^

[VanMan]

Murton takes a strike on a breaking ball. The 0-1 is a strike on the outside corner. He drives the 0-2 foul to the right. Line drive to left, Bay catches it, and then doubles off Theriot to end the inning! Dang it!

End 10th, Cubs 3, Pirates 3

[ryno4ever]

Another runner left in scoring position.

[VanMan]

Don Kelly pinch hitting for Capps, to start the 11th. He's fouled off four pitches after a 1-1 count. The 10th pitch of the at bat leads to a walk.

[ryno4ever]

A LEADOFF WALK???? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

[VanMan]

Cherry tries to pick off Kelly, but the throw is wild. Kelly advances to second on the E1.

[ryno4ever]

this is horrible. As bad as this sounds as a die hard, they don't deserve to win this game.

[ryno4ever]

It's time for a mound visit, I think (and, again, as I type it, Larry heads out.) Barroids just hit his 11th homer... 10 behind Aaron.... what a sucky night.

[VanMan]

Doumut had a 3-1 count, but fouled one back to make it 3-2. He fouled another at the plate. He swings and misses at a ball in the dirt, Barrett throws down to first to retire Doumut. Kelly holds at second.

[ARamfan]

this is horrible. As bad as this sounds as a die hard, they don't deserve to win this game.

Even if they don't deserve it, I want them to win! I will be willing to forget all the chances that have passed them by tonight.

[VanMan]

Wilson takes a strike. Chopper to third, Ramirez holds the runner and throws it across the diamond to get Wilson.

[VanMan]

Even if they don't deserve it, I want them to win! I will be willing to forget all the chances that have passed them by tonight.
A win will obsolve all evils.

[VanMan]

Sanchez will be walked intentionally. Bay will be next.

[VanMan]

Bay hits a single to left, Soriano picks it up, Kelly around third, Soriano throws it to the plate, HE'S OUT!!!!

Middle 11th, Cubs 3, Pirates 3

Now let's win this M-Fer!

[ARamfan]

Right now I'm blowing kisses to Soriano on my computer screen for that one! :D

[ryno4ever]

After that throw, they had BETTER make something of it!

[VanMan]

Barrett leading off the bottom of the 11th for the Cubs. He'll face Shawn Chacon. He swings at a 1-0 and misses. Grounder to Wilson is bobbled. Barrett safe at first with another infield single.

[ryno4ever]

Even if they don't deserve it, I want them to win! I will be willing to forget all the chances that have passed them by tonight.

Oh, I still want a win, but jeez, some of the thing tonight...if they don't win, I can pick out many many many reasons why they didn't! They have to play better baseball!

[VanMan]

Jones takes a strike. The 0-1 is outside. Barrett goes, swing and miss, throw to second is in time. 1-2 to Jones.

[ryno4ever]

I would love to see a walk off homer right about now.

[VanMan]

Jones fouls the 1-2 into the left-side seats. Chopped another one foul. Swing and a miss on a high fast ball, Jones is out number two.

[VanMan]

Izturis hits a looper to shallow left for a single.

[ARamfan]

Oh, I still want a win, but jeez, some of the thing tonight...if they don't win, I can pick out many many many reasons why they didn't! They have to play better baseball!

They do need to play better baseball, but if they win, we'll let them slide for tonight. ;)

[ryno4ever]

MARQUIS!!!!! :)

[VanMan]

Marquis is going to pinch hit for Cherry.

[ryno4ever]

Marquis was on Comcast last week.... I love his New York accent!

[ryno4ever]

I had a friend of mine who is a Cards fan ask if they could have Marquis back! I love watching the Cards fans right now!

[ryno4ever]

onto the 12th.....

[VanMan]

Marquis takes a low fastball for a ball. He swings and misses the 1-0. Outside for a 2-1 count. Marquis swings and misses at a bad ball, 2-2. Fly ball to left, slicing foul. He strikes out swinging.

End 11th, Cubs 3, Pirates 3

[ryno4ever]

Do you guys remember the 18 inning marathon last August in Houston?

[ARamfan]

Do you guys remember the 18 inning marathon last August in Houston?

Yes I do, Heather. I was actually watching baseball for 6 hours and I loved it!

[VanMan]

Nady leads off the 12th against Eyre. He flies to the alley in right-center and turns it into a triple! Correction, they charged an error on the play.

[ryno4ever]

Jones gets an error

[ARamfan]

Do you guys remember the 18 inning marathon last August in Houston?

You're not hinting that it might happen again tonight are you? Two games for the price of one! :D

[ryno4ever]

Yes I do, Heather. I was actually watching baseball for 6 hours and I loved it!

That is when they had to call up O'Malley! That was one of the few "highlights" last year!

[ryno4ever]

You're not hinting that it might happen again tonight are you? Two games for the price of one! :D

Eyre would have to pitch out of this little jam he has gotten himself into first, but I just pulled out the mountain dew for a caffeine lift.

[VanMan]

LaRoche swings at the first pitch. The 0-1 is outside. The 1-1 is low and away. The 2-1 is swung on and missed, a breaking ball. The 2-2 is just outside to fill the count. The payoff misses the zone, first and third, no out for Paulino.

[VanMan]

Paulino takes a strike. Next pitch is low, 1-1. Chopper to the mound, Eyre holds Nady, throws to first for the out. LaRoche advances to second. One down.

[VanMan]

Bautista will be intentionally walked to enact a double-play possibility and Jose Castillo on deck to pinch hit for Chacon.

[ryno4ever]

We really need a double play right now.

[ryno4ever]

Just don't walk in the go ahead run, Eyre!

[VanMan]

Castillo, with the bases loaded, swings at the first pitch and missed. Next pitch is low, 1-1. Liner to second, Theriot knocks the ball down, tags Bautista, throws to first for the double play! Pirates again argue the play!

Middle 12th, Cubs 3, Pirates 3

[ryno4ever]

Un believable!!!!!!!!! I can't believe it! After a leadoff triple....and EYRE GETS OUT OF IT!

[ARamfan]

We really need a double play right now.

There you go!!!!!!!

[ryno4ever]

I hate WCIU! I wish so badly I could see this on TV!?!

[VanMan]

We really need a double play right now.
One double play, made to order for Heather! Would you like some extra cheese on that double play? How about some cinnamon sticks for $2.50?

[ryno4ever]

That should really help boost Eyre's confidence!

[ryno4ever]

When I go to the game on Thursday, after the game, I hope Eyre comes out to sign autographs again, and I want to give him a hug!

[ARamfan]

I hate WCIU! I wish so badly I could see this on TV!?!

It's really been something to see! By the way, I just acquired 2 balls (All-star status). :D

[VanMan]

Soriano leads off the bottom of the 12th and takes a strike. Jonah Bayliss is now pitching. Soriano rolls one to Wilson for the first out.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

One double play, made to order for Heather! Would you like some extra cheese on that double play? How about some cinnamon sticks for $2.50?

She got her double play!!! I will pass her a Margarita while she watches Soriano hit a home run to win it!!!

[VanMan]

Theriot takes a ball. The 1-0 also missed. The 2-0 is a strike. The 2-1 is a strike on the outside corner. Strike three called.

[ryno4ever]

Here's some good news:
Sean Marshall gave up one run on three hits over 6 1/3 innings while striking out three in Iowa's 7-1 win over New Orleans. Marshall has a 0.79 ERA.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Thanks for the update on Marshall. That is some good news :)

[VanMan]

Lee takes a ball outside, a change. He swings and misses, 1-1. Outside, 2-1. Lee takes a change up for a strike, now 2-2. Lee swings and misses, nothing doing.

End 12th, Cubs 3, Pirates 3

I don't think either team wants to win this one anymore.

[VanMan]

Marshall has an 0.91 ERA at Iowa? Gotta wonder how he'd pitch up in the bigs right now. Alas, there are already two lefties in the rotation.

[ryno4ever]

It's really been something to see! By the way, I just acquired 2 balls (All-star status). :D

That sounded really funny! Congrats on getting a couple of balls! :D (seriously, way to go, Mara!);)

[VanMan]

Doumit leads off the 13th, grounded to Ramirez for the first out.

[ryno4ever]

One double play, made to order for Heather! Would you like some extra cheese on that double play? How about some cinnamon sticks for $2.50?

I'll take the cinnamon stix with some extra icing cups, please!

[VanMan]

Wilson grounds out to Theriot, two down.

[ryno4ever]

Forget the mountain dew, I think I'm going to go brew some coffee! This may be a long night.

[ryno4ever]

We may still be playing when the West Coast games are over!

[VanMan]

Sanchez grounds to Theriot to retire the side.

Middle 13th, Cubs 3, Pirates 3

Due up in the bottom of the 13th, Ramirez, Murton and Barrett.

[VanMan]

We may still be playing when the West Coast games are over!
I don't doubt it. I don't know if Wrigleyville has a curfew that the Cubs has to abide by, for a suspension of this game.

[ARamfan]

That sounded really funny! Congrats on getting a couple of balls! :D (seriously, way to go, Mara!);)

I meant for it to sound funny. We need to relieve some stress right now. :( Here we go to the bottom of the 13th!

[ryno4ever]

Okay, it worked with the double play.... I think right now, I'm going to order a walk off home run, preferrably Aramis Ramirez flavor (in honor of Mara's two-ball status)

[ryno4ever]

I don't doubt it. I don't know if Wrigleyville has a curfew that the Cubs has to abide by, for a suspension of this game.

Pat just said there is no time limit on the game...they are in it for the long haul.

[VanMan]

Ramirez fouls the first pitch from Bayliss. Hits a grounder to Sanchez, one down.

[ryno4ever]

That's not a home run, Aramis!

[VanMan]

Murton grounds to Bautista, two down.

[ryno4ever]

Barrett is due

[VanMan]

Barrett takes a ball high. He swings and misses, 1-1. Strike taken, 1-2. Bounced foul, still 1-2. He swings and misses, side retired. Going to the 14th inning.

End 13th, Cubs 3, Pirates 3

[ryno4ever]

I wonder if Pat and Ron will do a 14th inning stretch (although, I know they can't play the music after 11pm at Wrigley!)

[ryno4ever]

I think Ron may fall asleep in the booth tonight!

[VanMan]

Bay leads off the 14th. He takes strike one. A swing and a miss, 0-2. Fouled off, just as Ron was talking about all the pitchers wiggling off jams and Pat saying they're in Wiggley Field tonight. Another foul ball to the right. Ball bounces in, 1-2. Another one misses, 2-2. Drilled to left field, Soriano comes in to make the catch.

[ARamfan]

I wonder if Pat and Ron will do a 14th inning stretch (although, I know they can't play the music after 11pm at Wrigley!)

Maybe Len and Bob can get Kevin Cronin (REO Speedwagon) to sing again tonight if he's still hanging around.

[VanMan]

Nady takes outside, 1-0. Swing and a miss, 1-1. Another swing and miss, 1-2. Liner to right and a single. Fourth hit, fifth time on base.

[ryno4ever]

With Cotts the only one left in the pen, what will happen tomorrow if Marquis can't pull a complete game?

[VanMan]

LaRoche takes ball one outside. The 1-0 is a called strike. The 1-1 is up, ball two. The 2-1 is grounded to Ramirez, to Theriot for one, to Lee for the double play!

Middle 14th, Cubs 3, Pirates 3

Due for the Cubs in the 14th, Jones, Izturis and a pinch hitter.

[VanMan]

With Cotts the only one left in the pen, what will happen tomorrow if Marquis can't pull a complete game?
We'll have to worry about that if we can't win this one in the 14th.

[ryno4ever]

Maybe Len and Bob can get Kevin Cronin (REO Speedwagon) to sing again tonight if he's still hanging around.

He said he had his twin sons with him (and assuming that he said they both sat on Billy William's lap in the dugout that they are little kids), he's probably long gone....

But, WGN radio just cut to commercial, so I don't know if they did another "stretch"....Len and Bob did it the other day, but again, it's wasn't 11:22pm!

[jmorrison1]

OK. Let's hope this is the last time we get to hear the "Take me out to the ball game" tonight, i.e. no 21 inning...

:-)

GO CUBS! Quickly. I'm tired...

[ARamfan]

Len and Bob just did the TV 14th inning stretch and at the end, Bob said "Let's get ONE RUN!" :D

[ryno4ever]

I am going to be super duper mad if they put Zambrano in there tonight to pitich and it throws his start off on Thursday! The other night, when it was in extras, Lou said that his next pitcher up would have been Lilly after Cherry (but they won it in the 10th).

[VanMan]

Jones facing Bayliss to start the 14th, he swings and misses. Jones pops one up right side, LaRoche makes the catch, one down.

[ryno4ever]

Izzy's had a good night at the plate.

[Ryno2355]

let's get that run now!!!

[ryno4ever]

I can't believe there hasn't been a single home run tonight...espcecially with the dead wind at Wrigley.

[VanMan]

Izturis smashes one to the seats foul. The 1-0 is outside. Another one outside, 2-1. Popped up to the left side, Bautista makes the catch for two out.

[ryno4ever]

hmmmmm....... Blanco, the last position player is out to pinch hit. Yeah, I feel real good now.

[VanMan]

Blanco pinch hitting. He takes high for a ball. A breaking ball finds the zone, 1-1. Blanco chops one for a base hit up the middle.

[ryno4ever]

Okay, I'll eat my words now, but DO SOMETHING WITH THE BASE HIT! NO STRIKE OUTS! NO POP OUTS! DON'T HIT IT AT ANYONE! TAKE A FEW PITCHES AND MAKE SOMETHING OF THE BASEHIT!

[Ryno2355]

are they changing pitchers??

[Ryno2355]

i am watching online?

[ryno4ever]

Some trivia.... the longest game played by the Cubs was 22 innings on May 17th, 1927 against the Boston Braves. The longest game time was 6 hours and 10 seconds on 8/17-8/18, 1982 against Los Angeles in 21 innings.

[VanMan]

Soriano up with two out and Blanco on first. He takes a strike. The 0-1 is outside, 1-1. Cotts in the Cubs bullpen. Another one outside, 2-1. Wind is still. Soriano swings and misses, 2-2. He fouls one on a half swing. Another foul ball to the right out of play, still 2-2. Theriot on deck. The 2-2 is just outside. Blanco will move with the pitch. Soriano calls time. Outfield very deep, playing no doubles. Fouled off again. Soriano strikes out swinging! What is up with these people???

End 14th, Cubs 3, Pirates 3

[WrigleyFielder]

We've played 14 here at Wrigley

hahaha

[Ryno2355]

thanks vanman, great playby play!!

[VanMan]

Cotts in to pitch for the Cubs against Paulino. He grounds one past Ramirez to start the inning with a single.

[VanMan]

thanks vanman, great playby play!!
I aim to please.

[VanMan]

Bautista shortened as if to bunt, but takes. Bunted to Lee, throw to second, hit Paulino, everyone safe.

[ryno4ever]

what just happened?

[ryno4ever]

Now we have a real jam!

[VanMan]

Zach Duke to pinch hit, bunts down the third-base line, foul. Duke takes the 0-1, but there was a delayed double steal, Barrett tried to throw to Izturis at third, Ramirez deflected the ball, error on Barrett.