5/15 CHC@NYM, 6:10 p.m.: TV: CSN+, Radio: WGN

[ryno4ever]

Another night of Pat and Ron as I don't get Comcast Plus!:mad:

Tonight we will see if Big Z has fixed his "mechanical problems"...we need this win!

Carlos Zambrano will test his new delivery Tuesday night in Game 2 of the Cubs' four-game series at New York against the Mets.
Cubs manager Lou Piniella felt Zambrano was opening up too much in his delivery, which allowed hitters a better opportunity to see the ball. On Saturday, Piniella watched Zambrano's side session and saw improvement.

"What I saw basically was him shortening his arc a little bit and staying closed a little longer, which makes things more compact," Piniella said. "That makes him a more aggressive pitcher. When a pitcher is a little long, as a hitter, you get a longer look at the ball. It makes it easier to see the pitch."

Zambrano is 1-1 with a 6.30 ERA in two career starts at Shea Stadium, and he was 2-0 last year against the Mets.

Derrek Lee may be back in the lineup, depending on how he feels. The Cubs first baseman returned to Chicago on Monday to undergo an MRI exam after experiencing neck spasms, which forced him out of Sunday's game.

Pitching matchup
CHI: RHP Carlos Zambrano (3-3, 5.83 ERA)
Zambrano needs to get off to a good start. He took the loss in his last outing against the Pirates, giving up six runs (four earned) on seven hits over six innings, while striking out six. Teams are batting .361 against him in the first inning, and he's given up 13 runs in the first.

NYM: RHP John Maine (5-0, 1.79 ERA)
Maine avoided his first loss on Wednesday in San Francisco as the Mets came through with a comeback victory. The outing was the first time in seven starts that he gave up more than two runs. Maine was hurt by a two-run homer by Dave Roberts -- all three of the home runs Maine has allowed have been hit by left-handed batters -- and by the Mets' inability to turn a double play that led to the other run he gave up.

Player to watch
Alfonso Soriano has had a little success against Maine. He's 2-for-13 lifetime, and both of those hits have been home runs. Maine also has struck out Soriano five times. After batting .270 in April, Soriano is hitting .373 in May.

[ryno4ever]

Ron just said it best on the pregame show....it's like watching a bad movie over and over again.

[ryno4ever]

Lee is still in Chicago.... neck spasms "nothing serious", but the doctor didnt' want him flying today. It is doubtful he will be here tomorrow....

[ryno4ever]

Fontenot up...Cherry has been sent back down. They don't think DeRosa needs a trip to the DL.... ligament problems in his ring finger.

[CUBScrazy22]

Another night of Pat and Ron as I don't get Comcast Plus!:mad:

Tonight we will see if Big Z has fixed his "mechanical problems"...we need this win!

I always feel bad when Ron has to go back to Shea. :( As for Big Z, I'm anxious to see a good change tonight.

[ryno4ever]

I always feel bad when Ron has to go back to Shea. :( As for Big Z, I'm anxious to see a good change tonight.

Ron said yesterday that Pat took a picture of Ron, put it on the heater that caught his toupee on fire...and colored his hair red!

[ryno4ever]

Lou's interview:
DeRosa can play in an emergency...but can't swing the bat. Pitch run or defense, perhaps.

Lee... the spasms aren't better...but doctor won't let him come to NY yet

Lineup
Theriot 2B
Floyd RF
Soriano LF
Ramirez 3B
Ward 1B
Barrett C
Jones CF
Izturis SS
Zambrano P

[ryno4ever]

Hey, Van....you are all set up for your play by play!

[VanMan]

Here are the full starting line-ups for tonight's game:

Chicago Cubs (17-19, 7 GB, third in Central)
1. Ryan Theriot, 2B (.312, 0 HR, 13 RBI)
2. Cliff Floyd, RF (.274, 2 HR, 13 RBI)
3. Alfonso Soriano, LF (.312, 4 HR, 8 RBI)
4. Aramis Ramirez, 3B (.265, 8 HR, 24 RBI)
5. Daryle Ward, 1B (.316, 0 HR, 1 RBI)
6. Michael Barrett, C (.256, 5 HR, 19 RBI)
7. Jacque Jones, CF (.264, 1 HR, 12 RBI)
8. Cesar Izturis, SS (.277, 0 HR, 5 RBI)
9. Carlos Zambrano, P (.250, 1 HR, 2 RBI)

New York Mets (24-13, leading East)
1. Jose Reyes, SS (.338, 2 HR, 23 RBI)
2. Endy Chavez, LF (.364, 0 HR, 6 RBI)
3. Carlos Beltran, CF (.313, 8 HR, 29 RBI)
4. Carlos Delgado, 1B (.212, 3 HR, 18 RBI)
5. David Wright, 3B (.276, 4 HR, 17 RBI)
6. Shawn Green, RF (.316, 4 HR, 19 RBI)
7. Paul Lo Duca, C (.286, 2 HR, 13 RBI)
8. Damion Easley, 2B (.268, 5 HR, 11 RBI)
9. John Maine, P (.133, 0 HR, 0 RBI)

[VanMan]

Hey, Van....you are all set up for your play by play!
I sure am, I was just putting together the line-ups, taken from Gameday.

[VanMan]

Theriot stepping in to lead-off the game. First pitch from Maine is low. Second pitch, a fastball for a strike. Theriot fouls one off to the right, 1-2. Fastball upstairs, 2-2. A foul ball behind the screen. Maine fires one high, full count. The payoff is also high, Theriot with a lead-off walk.

[ryno4ever]

Incite The Riot! He got on base to start the game! :)

[ryno4ever]

Floyd got a great reception from the New York fans!

[ryno4ever]

Wind is blowing out at Shea....

[ryno4ever]

Good patience for Floyd...

[ryno4ever]

Theriot needs to attempt a steal...stay out of the double play

[ryno4ever]

or a hit and run

[VanMan]

Floyd steps in, Maine throws to first to keep Theriot close. First pitch is away, ball one. Floyd fouls one straight back, 1-1. He swings at one low, it's 1-2 on a change. Maine keeps Theriot close. Fast ball just outside, now 2-2. Pick off to first, Theriot slides back in without a play. Theriot faked to second, then Floyd fouls off. The 2-2 is high, but Floyd swings and misses, one out.

[ryno4ever]

Soriano is getting boooed by Mets fans?

[ryno4ever]

Theriot was running on that foul ball

[ryno4ever]

I LOVE THE RIOT!

[VanMan]

Soriano now up. Maine continuing to pay attention to Theriot. Another throw to Delgado, Theriot slides back. Theriot goes, Soriano fouls out of play. The 0-1 is outside, ball 1. Change up is away, 2-1. Theriot goes, pitch is well outside, throw to second airmails Easley and goes into center. Theriot to third. Next pitch walks Soriano.

[ryno4ever]

Runners at the corners for Ram.... NOW is when we need some clutch hitting. Give Zambrano a cushion to work with.

[VanMan]

Ramirez with runners on the corners, takes the first pitch low. Maine steps to third, whirls to first, nothing doing. The 1-0 is low, ball 2. Lo Duca and Rick Peterson go out to confer with Maine.

[VanMan]

It's 2-0 to Ramirez, and it's bounced foul. Ramirez pops one foul, but Lo Duca catches it in front of the Met dugout. Soriano tags from first and runs to second! Nice heads-up play.

[ryno4ever]

UGH! They have to get Theriot in.....or they will regret it later

[VanMan]

Runners in scoring position for Ward. First pitch is a strike on an off-speed pitch. The 0-1 is swung on late, 0-2. Maine looking to get out of the jam. Ward fouls one off, a high fastball. Ward flies a change-up that bounces on the warning track in left-center and over the wall for a rule-book double! Two runs score on the play, it's now 2-0 Cubs!

[ryno4ever]

Ground rule double scores Theriot and Soriano...CLUTCH HITTING PAYS OFF!

[VanMan]

UGH! They have to get Theriot in.....or they will regret it later
Not only Theriot got in, but Soriano, too.

[ryno4ever]

Barrett needs to get on the ball....and heads up baserunning by Soriano. Had he not advanced on Ram's pop foul, he would not have scored.

[VanMan]

Barrett takes the first one for a ball, swings and misses, and then fouls one to the screen for a 1-2 count. Barrett grounds it under Ward to Reyes, who is able to throw out Barrett to retire the side. However, the Cubs get two runs on just one hit, one left on base.

Middle 1st, Cubs 2, Mets coming up

[ryno4ever]

Time for a deep breath and see which Zambrano takes the mound.

[VanMan]

Barrett needs to get on the ball....and heads up baserunning by Soriano. Had he not advanced on Ram's pop foul, he would not have scored.
That was definately heads-up baserunning, Heather. Since no one paid attention to him at all, and Lo Duca had his back to the infield, Soriano just took the opportunity to tag up.

[VanMan]

Reyes will lead off for the Mets against Z. First pitch from Z is high, ball one. Reyes rainbows one to Floyd for the first out.

[VanMan]

Chavez takes one just on the inside corner for a strike. The 1-0 is bounced to Theriot, over to Ward for the second out.

[ARamfan]

Time for a deep breath and see which Zambrano takes the mound.

Let's say a prayer for Z!

[ryno4ever]

nice... HE MADE IT THROUGH THE FIRST INNING WITHOUT SELF DESTRUCTING!

[VanMan]

Beltran takes the first pitch inside, ball one. He fouls the next off, line drive into the right-field line seats. He bounces up the middle, Izturis is there, he throws badly, but Ward is able to make the scoop and retire the side. Just seven pitches for Z in the 1-2-3 inning.

End 1st, Cubs 2, Mets 0

[ryno4ever]

Hi Mara!

[VanMan]

They were talking about Z's new mechanics. They said they wanted him to stay more closed to hide the ball.

[ARamfan]

Hi Mara!

Hi Heather! :) I've also gotta say hi to our play-by-play man, VanMan!

[VanMan]

Jones takes a ball high, and then busts his bat on a floater into center field. It falls for a hit.

[VanMan]

Izturis takes one high and away, ball one. Maine throws over to first to keep Jones close. The 1-0 catches the high-outside corner for a strike. Izturis golfs one foul back, 1-2. Izturis grounds it up the middle and finds its way to center field for a base hit. Jones advances to second. Two on for Z!

[VanMan]

Z showed bunt, pulled the bat back and takes a ball inside. He bunts the next one foul back. He bunts the next one to Wright for the sacrifice. Jones to third, Izturis to second with one out.

[VanMan]

Theriot fouls the first pitch to the right. A hanging change is fouled off as well, 0-2. Fast ball right down Broadway around the letters for a called strike three.

[VanMan]

Floyd takes one low, and then fouls one off. He lines one to center for a single! Jones will score, Izturis has to stop at third. It's 3-0 Cubs.

[ryno4ever]

Van, you do a great job with the play by play!

[ryno4ever]

Keep adding on these runs!

[ryno4ever]

55 pitches for Maine in the second inning!

[VanMan]

Soriano rips one foul back. The 0-1 misses inside. A breaking ball drops into the zone for a called strike. Soriano fouls the 1-2 off the end of his bat. The next pitch is high, 2-2. Maine misses high again to fill the count. Floyd goes, Soriano flies to Green in right, who only moved about a step. Another run on three hits, two left.

Middle 2nd, Cubs 3, Mets 0

[VanMan]

55 pitches for Maine in the second inning!
Gameday says Maine currently has 52, but it's still a lot for two IPs.

[VanMan]

Delgado steps in and takes the first pitch low and in. Z pumps a cutter over for a strike. A two-seamer is down the pipe to make it 1-2. Delgado serves one to left for a single.

[ARamfan]

It's great to see Z make it through so far without a meltdown.

[VanMan]

Wright takes a slider on the outside edge for a strike. Another one misses outside, 1-1. Grounder to Izturis, over to Theriot for one, pivot to Ward for the double play.

[ryno4ever]

The momentum seems to be blowing the Cubs way right now... they need to keep it going

[ryno4ever]

whew...I thought that was gone!

[ryno4ever]

and maybe I need to keep my mouth shut... I just made the comment about the momentum.

[VanMan]

Green takes an off-speed pitch for a strike. He fouls one off to make it 0-2. Z wastes one high, it's 1-2. A high-tight pitch runs the count to 2-2. Green fouls one back. Check swing, foul at the plate. Green laces one to right. It looked like it hit the black championship banner, but it actually hit off the wall for a double to right.

[ARamfan]

Just as a sidebar, I grew up with the LoDuca family here in Phoenix. I worked with Paul's mom, Luci for several years in the mid-90s before she passed away from cancer. She was a great lady and my family will never forget her. My mom and dad met up with Paul LoDuca, Sr. 2 weekends ago for a getaway to Sedona, AZ. Great family!

[ryno4ever]

That's a neat story, Mara! Have you ever got to meet LoDuca?

[VanMan]

Lo Duca takes the first pitch for a ball, then bounces one foul. Another foul, 1-2. Lo Duca taking time to recover from a sore thumb. Z throws one upstairs, 2-2. Fouled to the left side. Another foul ball back. A slider misses well outside, full count. A hanging change is hit to left. Here comes Green, here comes the throw from Soriano! HE OUTTA THERE!!!

End 2nd, Cubs 3, Mets 0

[ryno4ever]

Why is it that everytime there is an awesome play like Soriano's assist...THEY AREN'T ON TV!?!

[dundeecub]

Zambranos action looking better today. Great play from Barrett at the plate there too.

[ARamfan]

That's a neat story, Mara! Have you ever got to meet LoDuca?

Yes. He was a lot younger then, so was I of course. He played ball with my brother, Steve who is 35 like Paul. Unfortunately, the last time I saw Paul was at his mom's funeral. :( My brother says hi to him when the Mets come to SD where my brother is stationed in the Navy. He tries to get to those games against the Padres when Paul is in town.

[VanMan]

Ramirez takes a big cut, but only getting a sliver of the ball, foul tip. Maine misses outside. He fouls the 1-1 off. Ramirez tries for the gap, but Beltran plays mall security officer, denied him entrance. One out.

[VanMan]

Ward flares one to left-center on the first pitch for a single. One on, one out for Barrett.

[VanMan]

Barrett drills the first pitch to left-center off the top of the fence! Ward motors over to third as Barrett drifts into second with a double. That also nearly left!

[VanMan]

Jones takes a hearty cut and misses. The 0-1 missed outside. Fastball inside, 2-1. Foul tip into Lo Duca's mitt makes it 2-2. Jones grounds to Easley, Ward holds at third, Easley to Delgado for the out.

[VanMan]

Izturis going to be intentionally walked to face Zambrano instead with the bases loaded. Looks like a good time for a Z grannie.

[VanMan]

Z takes one high for ball one. Another one misses low and in. No where to put Z. Inside at the shins, 3-0. Fastball over for the automatic strike. Carlos just missed the foul pole in left! Oh my god! That was almost a slam!

[ryno4ever]

The Mets scouts didn't do their homework...if they walked Izturis to get to Z! Z just missed a grand slam!

[ryno4ever]

THEY LEAVE THE BASES LOADED AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[VanMan]

The payoff pitch coming... swung and missed, strike three. He nearly got one there, but close only counts in horseshoes, hand grenades, ballroom dancing and, uh, I won't go there.

Cubs leave 'em loaded.

Middle 3rd, Cubs 3, Mets 0

[dundeecub]

Aw man, so close for Z! Can you imagine if he hit a grand slam, he'd probably explode with delight...

[VanMan]

Easley pops the first pitch to Theriot, but he almost fell in shallow right.

[ARamfan]

Aw man, so close for Z! Can you imagine if he hit a grand slam, he'd probably explode with delight...

They'd have to pick up a million confetti-like pieces of Z off the field if he'd hit a grand slam! :D

[VanMan]

Maine takes one right down main street for a strike. He swings and misses, 0-2. The next one misses low. Maine strikes out swinging, two out.

[VanMan]

Reyes showed bunt, took one high. Z gets the next one over. A fastball catches the corner at the letters, 1-2. Tapped foul behind the plate. Time called. Z misses on a curve. Reyes flares one to center. Jones smothers the ball, Reyes' speed allows him to get to second on a double.

[VanMan]

Hey! Heather! Game's now on CSN regular cuz the Sox are on a rain delay!

[VanMan]

On an 0-1, Chavez grounds to Izturis, over to Ward to retire the side. Double doesn't hurt.

End 3rd, Cubs 3, Mets 0

[dundeecub]

Was beltran loosening up with a bit of rebar there? because it sure looked like it...

[VanMan]

Theriot takes a strike, then drives one to left. Chavez is there for the first out.

[ryno4ever]

Hey! Heather! Game's now on CSN regular cuz the Sox are on a rain delay!

Thank you so much! My son is playing his playstation, but I try to record every game, so I just ran in and threw in a DVD. It's in another room, so I may bounce back and forth here....

[VanMan]

AFLAC Trivia:

Can you name the MVP of the only All-Star Game played at Shea in 1964?

[VanMan]

Floyd fouls the first off, then takes a ball. A swing and a miss makes it 1-2. Maine misses low and away, 2-2. Grounder between Delgado and Easley for a single to right.

[VanMan]

Soriano takes one high, and then hits a high liner to left. Chavez races back to the track to catch it. Floyd retreats to first.

[VanMan]

Ramirez takes an off-speed pitch for a strike. He fouls one off 0-2. Pitch high for ball one. Ramirez strikes out swinging to retire the side.

Middle 4th, Cubs 3, Mets 0

[ryno4ever]

AFLAC Trivia:

Can you name the MVP of the only All-Star Game played at Shea in 1964?

Santo?

[VanMan]

AFLAC answer:

Johnny Callison of the Phillies, 1-3, 3 RBI, entered as a PH.

[VanMan]

First pitch to Beltran is foul. Z's next pitch is a get-me-over breaker on the corner. Beltran fouls the next one off. The 0-2 is popped foul into the seats. Beltran chops one to Theriot, he retreats into shallow right, and then fires to Ward for the out.

[VanMan]

Delgado takes one for a strike, and then looks at one high and away. The 1-1 is fouled, 1-2. Z misses well outside, 2-2. Delgado breaks his bat on an inside pitch, foul. With new lumber, Delgado takes a cutter away. He pulls one to Theriot, in a shift, who throws to first to retire the slugger.

[VanMan]

Wright takes a knee-high strike. Swing and a miss, 0-2. Z buzzed the tower, 1-2. And a nasty breaking ball freezes Wright! Nothing doing for the Mets.

End 4th, Cubs 3, Mets 0

[VanMan]

Ward takes the first two outside, then a called strike at the knees away, and fouls one off. The 2-2 misses inside, and then Ward pops one to left, Chavez squeezes it for the out.

[VanMan]

Barrett rips the first pitch high into the Flushing Meadows night, Beltran able to make the catch in medium-depth center.

[VanMan]

Jones takes the first pitch for a strike. After taking a ball, he grounds one to Easley for the third out.

Middle 5th, Cubs 3, Mets 0

[ryno4ever]

I sure do love listening to Ronnie...he is ranting about how he hates Shea stadium!

[VanMan]

Green takes a called strike at the letters, then a ball away, and fouls one off the umpire Jeff Kellogg. I'll bet he's hearing a little snap, crackle and pop. An off-speed pitch misses low and in. Breaking ball misses away, full count. Green hits one high and deep to right-center and over the all for a solo HR. Mets cut it to 3-1.

[VanMan]

Lo Duca takes the first pitch low. Another one is low, 2-0. Barrett out to settle down Z. Fast ball over the plate for a strike. Another one misses inside, 3-1. Z this time wants to talk with Barrett to get on the same page. Lo Duca chops one to third, Ramirez fires over to Ward for the out.

[VanMan]

Easley takes a strike on the outside corner on an off-speed pitch. He fouls one back, 0-2. The next pitch from Z is low. David Newhan is on deck. Easley smacks a single to center.

[VanMan]

Newhan, pinch hitting for Maine, takes a pitch low and away, ball one. Ball two, high. Rothchild comes out to talk to Z. Z up to 75 pitches so far. The 2-0 is away, 3-0. Reyes on deck. Ball four high. First walk for Z tonight.

[ARamfan]

Reyes is up. I can't watch this! :eek:

[ryno4ever]

Hey, Mara...now's the time for that prayer for Big Z...he is starting to self destruct.

[VanMan]

Reyes steps in, Carlos throws a breaker over for a strike. Next pitch is inside, 1-1. Z whirls and fires to Izturis at second. Easley back in safely. Reyes chops one, Ramirez charges, collects it and fires to Ward for the out at first. Easley moves to third, Newhan goes to second, two out.

[ryno4ever]

He has lost total concentration after he gave up that homer to Green

[VanMan]

Chavez fouls the first pitch off. He then grounds to Izturis to get out of the inning. One run on Green's home run, two total hits and a walk, two left on.

End 5th, Cubs 3, Mets 1

[ryno4ever]

I was waiting for Lou to go out there and give him the "Dempster Lecture".... "THROW F@#$#@G STRIKES!"

[VanMan]

Yeah, until the Green homer, Z was cruising right along. He still only has thrown 82 pitches through five.

[VanMan]

I was waiting for Lou to go out there and give him the "Dempster Lecture".... "THROW F@#$#@G STRIKES!"
That'll be next inning. :)

[ryno4ever]

Okay...now, do we want to see Z get back out there, or attempt to turn it over to the pen?????? Remember, we are one short in the pen since they sent Rocky Cherry back to the minors today....

[ARamfan]

Hey, Mara...now's the time for that prayer for Big Z...he is starting to self destruct.

I noticed that. He gets SO wound up! He started out well tonight, so I have hope for him to last maybe (hopefully) a couple more innings. But what I've noticed over the years, is when he starts to self-destruct, he can' come back from it. :( The prayer starts...NOW!

[VanMan]

New pitcher for the Mets is Scott Schoenweis, 18 games with a 2.93 ERA in 15 1/3 IP. 11 walks and 11 Ks.

[ryno4ever]

Phillies have taken the lead against the Brew Crew

[ryno4ever]

3-1 in the 6th.... Phillies

[VanMan]

Izturis takes the first pitch for a strike. The 0-1 is low for a ball. Next pitch is also low, 2-1. Izturis hits a one-hopper to second, Easley over to first for the out.

[VanMan]

Z serves the first pitch to right field, where it finds some green in front of Green for a single.

[ARamfan]

Okay...now, do we want to see Z get back out there, or attempt to turn it over to the pen?????? Remember, we are one short in the pen since they sent Rocky Cherry back to the minors today....

IMO, NO PEN, NO PEN, NO PEN! :eek: I've been ranting on this board for the past 3 days about the pen, and I want to eliminate them from this game completely. Let Lou go out and tell Z what he told Demp.

[VanMan]

Theriot takes one high for a ball. Next one bounces, it's 2-0. Another one just misses away, 3-0. Theriot walks on four pitches. Two on, one out with Floyd due up.

[VanMan]

Floyd takes the first pitch low. The 1-0 catches the inside corner on a fast ball, 1-1. Schoenweis misses low and away, ball two. Floyd swings and misses, 2-2. Foul chopped at the plate. Floyd yanks one into right field for a hit. Quade holds Z at third. Bases loaded again, this time with just one out for Soriano coming up.

[VanMan]

Soriano takes one for a strikes on the inside corner. He serves one just foul down the right field line. That could've cleared the bases. Soriano is 5-for-10 vs. Schoenweis. He lifts one to shallow left. Chavez able to make the play, everyone stays put.

[VanMan]

Ramirez takes the first pitch low. Bases loaded, two out. He crushes one into the left field third deck! Get out the rye bread and mustard, grandma, it's Grand Salami time! Cubs now up 7-1!

[ARamfan]

It IS Grand Slam time!!!! I'm thrilled right now. He's just getting warmed up for the season, mark my words!! :cool:

[VanMan]

Ward takes a strike on the inside corner. He takes a huge cut and misses. Schoenweis throws one high and tight. Ward fouls one off. Aaron Sele throwing in the Met pen. Next pitch is low and away, 2-2. The 2-2 misses inside, full. Ward fouls the payoff pitch slowly toward the Met dugout. Fists one foul behind the Cub dugout. Check swing, ball four.

[VanMan]

Randolph out to pull Schoenweiss in favor of Sele.

I do appologize for using the Mariner annoucer's grand slam call, but it was appropriate for the occasion.

[ryno4ever]

Okay, I'm back, I went in to watch it when the bases were loaded, and Ram just had that look in his eyes, I knew it was going to happen. And sure enough....it sure was a pretty one! :)

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

It IS Grand Slam time!!!! I'm thrilled right now. He's just getting warmed up for the season, mark my words!! :cool:

That was no cheap home run there! That was by definition, a "slump-buster":D !
I hate the Mutts so much its not funny, I'm still LOL 5 minutes after that grand-slam!

[ryno4ever]

Oh, how nice..... and Ward, great plate discipline! Wow! Wow! Wow! Now, for Barrett to get hot...that would be awesome!

[ryno4ever]

Didn't Schoenweiss play for the White Sox?

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

How about Zambrano tonight! Pitching like a ace with only 1 walk!!

[ryno4ever]

YEAY!!!!! Barrett got a double!!!!!!! :)

[VanMan]

Barrett welcomes Sele into the game with a foul ball. Sele is 1-0 in nine appearances with a 4.11 ERA. Second pitch bounces outside, 1-1. Barrett drives one to right-center, bounces off the wall. Ward motors all the way around from first to score on the Barrett two-out double. It's 8-1 Cubs.

[ryno4ever]

An RBI double, none the less!

[ryno4ever]

Here comes the bats! Gosh, I love it!

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

YEAY!!!!! Barrett got a double!!!!!!! :)

Jones drives in Barrett.

[VanMan]

Jones takes the first pitch he sees into left-center for an RBI single scoring Barrett, now 9-1 Cubs.

[ARamfan]

Okay, I'm back, I went in to watch it when the bases were loaded, and Ram just had that look in his eyes, I knew it was going to happen. And sure enough....it sure was a pretty one! :)

I saw that look in his eyes too! Glad you saw it! Hopefully all of this hard work won't be destroyed in the end by the bullpen from he!$. YAY, JJ just scored! :D

[VanMan]

Izturis grounds to third, bookending the inning. Six runs, six hits, two walks and one left.

Middle 6th, Cubs 9, Mets 1

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

Anyone else watching the Mets announcers? The Cubs do nothing right in their eyes.

[VanMan]

Beltran takes a strike, ball and strike, Then he towers a shot, but it doesn't quite have the distance. Floyd is there for the out on the warning track.

[VanMan]

Delgado takes one outside. The 1-0 hits Delgado in the hand. HBP puts a man on with one out.

Unfortunately, I haven't heard the Mets feed.

[ARamfan]

Anyone else watching the Mets announcers? The Cubs do nothing right in their eyes.

That's just how it is, Neifi. It's almost like they can't say anything nice. They accentuate the negative and downplay the positive.

[VanMan]

Wright pops the first pitch foul into the right-field seats. He then takes one on the outside corner, 0-2. Check swing, appeal to first, he went around! Strike three!

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

That's just how it is, Neifi. It's almost like they can't say anything nice. They accentuate the negative and downplay the positive.

Exactly! Well, we got a 8 run lead so they can talk all they want!

[VanMan]

Green pops one into the seats, breaking his bat. He then flies one to Soriano for the third out. No runs, no hits, a hit batter and one left.

End 6th, Cubs 9, Mets 1

[VanMan]

Exactly! Well, we got a 8 run lead so they can talk all they want!
Yeah, all we have to say to those Mets guys is, "Scoreboard!"

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

I'm gonna go back to my "Drunk Homer" avatar now.

[VanMan]

Zambrano up to 93 pitches through six.

[VanMan]

Julio Franco now enters the game at first in place of Delgado.

[VanMan]

Zambrano flies to Beltran, who had to leap at the ball to catch it. It had more carry than he thought.

[VanMan]

Theriot takes one outside. Next pitch is off-speed for a strike. Fastball catches the inside corner, 1-2. Sele bounces one outside, 2-2. Next pitch is outside, it's full. Theriot bounces to the hole, Reyes fields it but cannot get a good throw. Theriot with an infield hit with one out.

[VanMan]

Floyd up, he pops one into left, Chavez squeezes it for the second out.

[VanMan]

Soriano is next. He takes a fastball at the knees, strike one. Next pitch is fouled, 0-2. Taken outside, ball one. Soriano fouls another off to the right, still 1-2. Bob trying to entice an extra run. Soriano serves one, trying to get over Easley, but he makes the catch. No runs, a hit, one left. It's time to stretch in Shea. Watch your toupee, Ron!

Middle 7th, Cubs 9, Mets 1

[VanMan]

Changes defensively for the Cubs, Pagan comes in to play center, Jones moves to right, Floyd is out.

Lo Duca takes a ball, and then bounces to Izturis, able to throw him out.

[VanMan]

Easley bounces the first pitch to Izturis, over to Ward for the second out, easily.

[VanMan]

Ruben Gotay pinch hitting for Sele. He takes a strike low at the knees. Next pitch is high and away, 1-1. Swing and a miss on a change, 1-2. Pitch in close, it's 2-2. Gotay fouls one off, still 2-2. Grounder to Ward, he flips to Zambrano to retire the side, 1-2-3.

End 7th, Cubs 9, Mets 1

That was Zambrano's 102nd pitch of the game. You guys think that's enough?

[ARamfan]

I'm gonna go back to my "Drunk Homer" avatar now.

I noticed it. I like it! Actually, I wish everyone would stay with their original avatars, because I associate them with their avatar. I've thought about changing mine to a different pic of ARam or one of myself, but I've decided to stay with the original for now. Welcome back drunk Homer!

[ARamfan]

Ruben Gotay pinch hitting for Sele. He takes a strike low at the knees. Next pitch is high and away, 1-1. Swing and a miss on a change, 1-2. Pitch in close, it's 2-2. Gotay fouls one off, still 2-2. Grounder to Ward, he flips to Zambrano to retire the side, 1-2-3.

End 7th, Cubs 9, Mets 1

That was Zambrano's 102nd pitch of the game. You guys think that's enough?

I don't think that's enough for Z. I want to stay FARRRRR away from that bullpen.

[VanMan]

New pitcher for the Mets is Ambiorix Burgos. He's appeared in 12 games with a 4.11 ERA, 12 hits, 7 walks and 12 strikeouts. Mike Fontenot will pinch hit for Ramirez. First pitch outside. He then drives one oppo, over Chavez's head and bounces into the Cubs' bullpen for his first MLB hit!

[VanMan]

Ward takes a ball, then a strike at the letters. A foul into the seats, 1-2. Ward pulls one foul. Ball gets away from Lo Duca, Fontenot advances to third, count now 2-2.

[VanMan]

Ward takes a fastball on the outside corner. Kellog rings him up.

[ARamfan]

Did anyone just hear that comment from the Mets announcers? Sour grapes would be a NICE way to describe it. I'm actually REALLY pi$$ed about it. What losers! They can't take the fact that we're beating the sh!$ out of them?

[VanMan]

Barrett takes the first pitch low and away. Trash blowing around the infield now. Barrett swings and misses, 1-1. He lifts one deep to left, Chavez has room, Fontenot tags and scores, sac fly for Barrett, it's now 10-1 Cubs.

[VanMan]

Did anyone just hear that comment from the Mets announcers? Sour grapes would be a NICE way to describe it. I'm actually REALLY pi$$ed about it. What losers! They can't take the fact that we're beating the sh!$ out of them?
What'd they say?

As Jones grounds out to Easley.

Middle 8th, Cubs 10, Mets 1

[VanMan]

Reyes chops the first pitch to Fontenot for the out. Theriot moved to third.

[VanMan]

Chavez takes the first two for balls. The 2-0 is high. And Z walks Chavez on four straight.

[ARamfan]

What'd they say?

As Jones grounds out to Easley.

Middle 8th, Cubs 10, Mets 1

Like I said earlier, downplaying the positive (Cubs are beating the Mets) and accentuating the negative (Isn't it too bad they Haven't won a World Series in 99 years).

[VanMan]

Cubs bullpen starts to stir as Beltran comes to the plate. Z misses outside. The 1-0 popped foul into the seats. Beltran fouls one back to the screen, 1-2. Z almost hit him, 2-2. Beltran takes one away, full. Bob Howry up in the pen. Z misses low and away, back-to-back walks, and Lou is coming out.

[ARamfan]

Regardless of Lou's decision, I'm thrilled with Z! IMO, Tonight has brought his confidence back. :)

[VanMan]

Lou sticks with Z as Franco takes his first AB of the game. The 48-year-old fouls the first pitch to the right. Z's able to pump one over for a strike, 0-2. Grounder to Izturis, flip to Fontenot for one, over to Ward for the inning-ending double play. That might be it for Z with 116 pitches.

End 8th, Cubs 10, Mets 1

[VanMan]

Izturis takes the first two pitches for balls. He then fouls one off. Zambrano is getting ready for his next AB, maybe. Izturis pops up to Reyes for the first out.

[VanMan]

Zambrano will bat for himself. He bounces one foul. He then swings and misses, possibly wrenching his back, 0-2. A foul back. Big cut and miss, strike out.

[VanMan]

Theriot takes one up and in. Next pitch is low-and-in. The 2-0 is inside, 3-0. Pagan on deck. High and away, walk on four pitches to Theriot.

[VanMan]

Pagan takes a strike on the outside corner. Fastball over for another strike. Fouled to the right, still 0-2. Fouled to the left. Time called. Pagan gets a base hit to center. Theriot moves to second, two out for Soriano.

[VanMan]

Soriano fouls one off. Next one is fouled back, 0-2. Soriano fouls another one to the right side. He fouls one off Lo Duca. Soriano swings and misses to end the inning.

Middle 9th, Cubs 10, Mets 1

Scott Eyre coming in for the 9th, of course, not a save situation.

[VanMan]

Wright will be the first to face Eyre. They just announced the Yankees-White Sox game has been rained out. Wright swings and misses. The 0-1 is outside. Low and in, 2-1. Grounder to Fontenot on a broken bat for the first out.

[VanMan]

Carlos Gomez pinch hitting for Green, takes a strike. Swings and misses at a ball in the dirt, 0-2. And he swings and misses at one heading to his shoetops for the second out.

[VanMan]

Lo Duca is the final hope to keep this game going for the Mets. He takes a healthy cut and misses. Foul ball off Barrett, it's 0-2. Breaking ball misses away, 1-2. Pitch in the dirt, 2-2. Another one in the dirt, it's full. Lo Duca lines softly to Fontenot to end the game.

Final score, Cubs 10, Mets 1

W - Zambrano (4-3)
L - Maine (5-1)

Game took two hours and 45 minutes in front of 37,487 paid.

[ryno4ever]

I just got done watching the post game show on comcast...and you would think they are reading this board! Some of the points that Dan Pleasac brought up were almost word for word from some of our posts!

[ARamfan]

I just got done watching the post game show on comcast...and you would think they are reading this board! Some of the points that Dan Pleasac brought up were almost word for word from some of our posts!

Let us know what some of them were.

[ryno4ever]

They brought up many of the bullpen struggles...Howry and Eyre and how we need them, but the fact that they were used so much last year, they just need to find their groove again, and soon...

They also brought up the point that when Lee comes back, they would like to see Soriano move to the 2 hole, as he doesn't draw the walks like Theriot does. If he bats second, then if Theriot is on base, you can either use the speed if he gets on base, or power to bring Theriot in right away. With the bats warming up, you have Theriot leading off, and he has been getting on base quite a bit, either by the walk or drilling the ball to gaps. Soriano in the 2 hole, Lee, Ram, and then Barrett. If they can all continue to do what they did tonight, that lineup would be one of the best in the NL.