7/17 SF @ CHC 7:05 p.m.; TV: CSN; Radio: WGN

[VanMan]

One inning's already in the books. Marshall has retired the side in the top half, and then the Louisiana State Lumber Co. makes some hey in the bottom. Theriot doubled past the third baseman to lead off the game, then Fontenot followed with a sac bunt, but the throw to first was bobbled, allowing Theriot to come home from third.

[VanMan]

Len just said that Soto has been optioned back to Iowa to make room for Kendall.

[VanMan]

Benji Molina starts the second inning with a grounder to Ramirez.
Aurilia strikes out swinging.
Feliz flies out to Soriano.

Middle 2nd, Cubs 1, Giants 0

[ryno4ever]

HI Eric! I'm able to follow along with the game and this now...I got my new laptop in...and wondering how in the world I ever lived with a desktop!

[ryno4ever]

I'm anxious to see the crowd's reaction to Kendall in his first AB

[ryno4ever]

Nice....standing O

[ryno4ever]

I found out today that I am going to the game tomorrow. My dad works at a bank and they are taking a bus trip tomorrow and had a couple extra tickets! I'm so excited...and Big Z is on the mound.

[ryno4ever]

Brew crew is down by 2 tonight! This could be a HUGE night for us.

[VanMan]

Bottom 2nd:

DeRosa faced 10 pitches but swung and missed at a high change-up.
Kendall's first Cub AB is a fly ball to Franzen in left field.
Pagan flares a single to left.
Marshall strikes out swinging.

End 2nd, Cubs 1, Giants 0

[VanMan]

Hey Heather, you have wireless broadband on your 'puter?

[ryno4ever]

yeppers....it's so sweet!

[ryno4ever]

I don't really care for the little mouse-less pad, but I'll get used to it.

[VanMan]

Top 3rd:

Franzen flies the first pitch to Soriano.
Zito grounds to Fontenot.
Roberts flies to DeRosa.

Middle 3rd, Cubs 1, Giants 0

[VanMan]

I was wondering because maybe you can give us a little on-site report of the game.

[ryno4ever]

I'm taking a bus.... I don't think I am going to take it to the game. I'll have my son to keep tabs on. But you can bet I'll give a full report when I get home tomorrow night.

[ryno4ever]

I'll have my camera...and my camcorder is charging up now, so I'll have lots of pictures to post, I'm sure. I have no idea where our seats are, but I don't care where I sit, the way these guys are playing right now, I'd sit in the far upper deck, last row, last aisle, and I'd be happy (I've sat in those seats before, and they are not great seats at all.)

[VanMan]

Bottom 3rd:

Theriot pops behind first in foul ground to Aurilia.
Fontenot strikes out swinging.
Lee singles through the hole into left field.
Ramirez strikes out looking.

End 3rd, Cubs 1, Giants 0

[VanMan]

Well, it looks like you won't see Bar-roid tomorrow either.

[VanMan]

AFLAC Trivia:
Who holds the NL record for stolen bases as a catcher in a single season?

[ryno4ever]

I'm not heartbroken at all about not seeing Bonds. I read today that he has a Grand Jury hearing on Thursday to see if they are going to move forward with the perjury case or if they are going to drop it....

[ryno4ever]

they are shaking Marshall's confidence up a little. he looked good the first couple of innings.

[VanMan]

Top 4th:

Vizquel walks.
Winn lines a single over Theriot into left-center.
Durham pops to center, caught by Pagan.
Molina singles to left, Vizquel scores after Kendall can't handle the Soriano throw to the plate. Durham to second. Score tied, 1-1.
Aurilia lines to Ramirez, everyone holds.
Feliz doubles to left field, Winn scores easily, Molina advances to third. Giants lead 2-1.
Franzen intentionally walked.
Zito grounds to Lee, flipped to Marshall to retire the side.

Middle 4th, Giants 2, Cubs 1

[VanMan]

AFLAC Answer:
Jason Kendall, 26 for the Pirates in 1998.

[VanMan]

Bottom 4th:

Soriano strikes out swinging.
DeRosa flies out to Roberts in front of the 400 sign in center.
Kendall grounds out to Feliz.

End 4th, Giants 2, Cubs 1

[VanMan]

Top 5th:

Roberts pops out to Fontenot in shallow right field.
Vizquel grounds to Ramirez.
Winn singles up the middle out of the reach of Theriot.
Durham flies to Soriano in left.

Middle 5th, Giants 2, Cubs 1

[ryno4ever]

We need a big inning to give Sean a nice comfy cushion to sit on for a couple of more innings.

[ryno4ever]

Did you get to see the interview with Kendall? He said he was called into the office and told that there was a trade (since he had a no trade clause, he had to approve it)...and when he found out it was to the Cubs, he said "Let's go"...he called the move a "no-brainer" on his part. I like this guy already.

[ryno4ever]

Milwaukee just tied the game... Graffinino hit a homer

[VanMan]

Bottom 5th:

Pagan grounds to Vizquel.
Marshall strikes out looking.
Theriot breaks his bat and grounds to Durham.

End 5th, Giants 2, Cubs 1

[VanMan]

Milwaukee just tied the game... Graffinino hit a homer
Well, let's hope the Cubs can get a little more offense against Zito.

[ryno4ever]

I really hope Lou puts Marshall on a short leash from here on out. when he falls apart, it tends to happen quickly.

[ryno4ever]

there goes the Soriano hop!

[VanMan]

Top 6th:

Molina flies to Soriano on the warning track.
Aurilia lines to Theriot.
Feliz reaches on an error by Ramirez that Lee cannot pick.
With Frandsen up, Marshall throws a wild pitch, Feliz advances to second.
Frandsen chops to Ramirez, this time the throw is perfect and the side is retired.

Middle 6th, Giants 2, Cubs 1

[ryno4ever]

Brew Crew just took the lead

[VanMan]

Bottom 6th:

Fontenot grounds to Aurilia.
Lee hits a line-drive homer to the opposite field! Cubs tie it at two!
Ramirez grounds a base hit off Vizquel into left field, through a shift.
Soriano strikes out swinging on a curve ball.
DeRosa flies to Roberts in center.

End 6th, Cubs 2, Giants 2

[VanMan]

Brew Crew just took the lead
Well, it's tied in Chi-town now. Still got a shot.

[dundeecub]

if anyone's interested, dempster started in iowa. which would be noteworthy, but he only threw 1 inning: 3 up, 3 down with 1 k. hopefully he was only meant to throw 1 inning....

[ryno4ever]

thanks for the update dundee! I wonder if they started him to get his work in so he could get on a plane? You can't guarantee a save situation either, i guess.

[ryno4ever]

Marmol is making my stomach knot up right now!

[VanMan]

Top 7th:

Marmol relives Marshall

Zito grounds out to Ramirez
Roberts walks.
With Vizquel up, Marmol attempts a pitch out, but it gets by Kendall for a wild pitch, Roberts to second.
Vizquel pops to shallow center field, Fontenot makes the catch.
Winn walks on seven pitches.
Rothschild consults with Marmol, Kendall and Ramirez on the mound.
Durham strikes out looking at a slider.

Middle 7th, Cubs 2, Giants 2

[VanMan]

if anyone's interested, dempster started in iowa. which would be noteworthy, but he only threw 1 inning: 3 up, 3 down with 1 k. hopefully he was only meant to throw 1 inning....
It was designed that Demp would start tonight and then throw sometime tomorrow. If all goes well, he could be activated Thursday.

[ryno4ever]

take me out to the ballgame....take me out to the crowd.... buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks, I don't care if I ever get back, for it's root, root, root for the Cubbies, if they don't win in it's a shame...cause it's one, two, three strikes out you're out at the old ball game...

NOW LET'S GET SOME RUNS!

[VanMan]

Bottom 7th:

Kendall flies to Winn in right.
Pagan lines out to Frandzen in left.
Marmol bats for himself, strikes out swinging.

End 7th, Cubs 2, Giants 2

[VanMan]

Top 8th:

Molina singles to left after Kendall was unable to catch a foul pop behind the plate.
Fred Miller runs for Molina.
Aurilia strikes out swinging.
Miller steals second on the strike-three pitch.
Feliz walks.
Barry Bonds is announced as a pinch-hitter for Frandzen. Lou counters by bringing in Will Ohman to relieve for Marmol.

[VanMan]

Top 8th continued:

Ohman vs. Bonds...
Bonds is 0-for-last-20, 0-for-4 with a walk and a strikeout vs. Ohman. First pitch fouled out of play on a low-away fastball. The 0-1 is a slider high and tight, didn't break, ball one. Ohman sets, the 1-1 is swung on and missed, slider away. Crowd on its feet, wanting a Bonds K. Ohman's 1-2, slider just missed, it's 2-2. Crowd wanted that call. Too close. The 2-2 from Ohman, slider misses away again, it's full. Bonds steps back in, Ohman gets the sign, the set, fastball is lined to Soriano for the second out of the inning!

[ryno4ever]

If I were Ohman, I would have been shaking in my knees!

[VanMan]

Lou jogs out to talk with Kendall and Ohman prior to Guillermo Rodriguez pinch hits for Zito. First pitch, a slider low. Wuertz is ready in the 'pen. Another slider low, 2-0. Fastball high and away, 3-0. Roberts is on deck. Fastball inside for ball four loading the bases.

[ryno4ever]

That out by Bonds has got the crowd buzzing again. Just in time for Ohman to load them up for dave roberts.....

[ryno4ever]

Let's go cubbies....Let's go cubbies.... let's go cubbies.....

[dundeecub]

also in that iowa game: buck coats has 2 outfield assists at home...

on another note: come on will!!!

[ryno4ever]

nice swing and a miss..... on their feet again! NICE

[ryno4ever]

come on Will...focus

[ryno4ever]

LOL.... Len says the crowd is like the state of the union address!!!!

[VanMan]

Roberts takes a fastball high. Fastball is over for a strike, 1-1. No where to put Roberts. Slider is swung on and missed, 1-2. Crowd rises to its feet again, urging the end of the inning. Slider misses low and away, 2-2. Time called. Fastball low, full count. All three runners will go on the pitch. Slider misses in the dirt, Lewis scores, Feliz goes to third, Rodriguez to second.

Lou's coming out to bring on Wuertz.

[ryno4ever]

Are you freaking kidding me????? Ohman was starting to earn points back in my book for getting Bonds out.... now I am back to thinking he needs to be playing catch with Eyre in the pen.

[VanMan]

I think 20/20 hindsight would have had Lou bringing in Wuertz to face Rodriguez. Ohman did his job to get Bonds out, but he can't do well against righties.

[ryno4ever]

come on wuertzy!

[ryno4ever]

Nice block by Kendall...who has had a rough night behind the plate.

[ryno4ever]

This crowd is going to go ballistic in a minute if they don't get this out.

[VanMan]

Wuertz first pitch is low, ball one to Vizquel. Fastball high, 2-0. Vizquel is .277 with the bases loaded and 4 slams. Chopper up the first base line, Wuertz picks it up, but has no play! Feliz scores, Rodriguez to third, Roberts to second, 4-2 Giants.

[VanMan]

Winn swings and misses at the first pitch. The 0-1 is taken for a strike, fastball. Fastball away, ball one. Slider is swung on and missed to retire the side.

However, the Giants score two on two hits, three walks and the bases remained loaded.

Middle 8th, Giants 4, Cubs 2

[ryno4ever]

we really need Arizona to pull a comeback out of their pockets, we can still comeback, but the momentum has really shifted.

[VanMan]

Bottom 8th:

Theriot leads off against Vinnie Chulk. First pitch misses high, second misses low and in, 2-0. Fastball down the middle, strike one. Liner to Durham for the first out.

[ryno4ever]

How about another big comeback? Please.......

[VanMan]

Fontenot takes a fastball away, ball one. High fly ball to right center, Roberts and Winn converge, Roberts takes it for the second out.

[ryno4ever]

The new motto..."It's gonna happen"....It was in the chicago papers today and now signs popping up around the ballpark

[VanMan]

Lee takes a fastball up and in. Off-speed pitch is over for strike one. Lee fouls the 1-1 off his front instep, 1-2. Foul back to the screen. Fastball upstairs, 2-2. Chulk throws a change-up that Lee swings and misses. Three up, three down in the 8th.

End 8th, Giants 4, Cubs 2

[VanMan]

I wonder if the Cubs would have a rally against Hennessey in the 9th tonight. Gotta hope Wuertz can hold down the Giants for another inning.

[ryno4ever]

The positive thing.... Rammy and Soriano are up first in the ninth.

[VanMan]

I stand corrected, Billy Petrick is on for the Cubs in the 9th.

[VanMan]

Durham fouls off the first pitch of the 9th. He swings and misses an off-speed pitch, 0-2. Two-seamer is over for a called strike three.

[ryno4ever]

Brewer game update: Eric Byrnes is on second...one out...top of the 8th... chad Tracy is up with Villanueava on the mound....Byrnes is the tying run. brewers still up 3-2

[VanMan]

Lewis takes a fastball high and away. Then another one misses low and in, 2-0. High fastball is called for strike one. Chopper up the middle, Theriot gloves it, throws it on the run, short hops Lee, who picks it in time to get Lewis. Two gone.

[ryno4ever]

Chad Tracy just walked...men on first and second one out... Chris young at the plate.

[VanMan]

Aurilia takes the first pitch up. He does a half-swing at another high pitch, ump said he went around, 0-2. Sinker is grounded to Ramirez, over to Lee for the third out. Nothing doing for the Giants.

Middle 9th, Giants 4, Cubs 2

Rally cap time!

[ryno4ever]

Augie Ojeda is pinch running for Tracy.... If we can't pull off a comeback, I'm hoping what is going on in Milwaukee will help us out a little

[VanMan]

Young struck out.

[ryno4ever]

Young strikes out. Stephen Drew up with two outs, men on first and second.

[VanMan]

Hennessey will attempt to close for the Giants. Ramirez takes a fastball in tight, ball one. Another tight one, ball two. Fastball over for strike one, 88mph. Fouled back on an 87mph fastball. Fly ball over Roberts' head against the vines. Ramirez cruises into second to bring the tying run to the plate with no one out.

[ryno4ever]

Ram is Mr. Clutch! come on Soriano!!!!!!!!!!!!

[VanMan]

Soriano takes a pitch in the dirt, blocked by Rodriguez. Jack Taschner is throwing in the Giant pen. Grounder to short, Vizquel throws out Soriano, Ramirez has to stay.

[ryno4ever]

Bases loaded in Milwaukee for Arizona.... two outs.....

[ryno4ever]

I can hear Harry now.... "Listen to this crowd....."

[VanMan]

DeRosa takes a sinker in the dirt, ball one. Kendall is on deck. 90mph fastball is low, 2-0. 89mph fastball catches the outside corner, 2-1. Chopper to third, throw to first is wide, but Aurilia is able to tag DeRosa for the second out.

[ryno4ever]

In Milwaukee...Montero struck out for out number 3. Brewers continue to lead going into the bottom of the 8th.

[VanMan]

Ward will pinch hit for Kendall. He's 2 for 3 with 2 HRs against Hennessey. He fouls off the first pitch. Fastball, 92, off the plate and low, 1-1. Hennessey steps off to reset the signs. Fastball, 91, is high, ball two. Hennessey steps off again, and Rodriguez comes out to chat. Ward calls time. He fouls one off to the left, 2-2 count. Grounder to Durham to end the game.

Final score, Giants 4, Cubs 2

[VanMan]

It's Zito's first win since June 4, now 7-9. Marmol takes the loss, falling to 2-1.

[VanMan]

Cordero's in for the Brewers in the 9th, and already retired the first two D-Backs.

[VanMan]

Hudson's hanging tough with Cordero, fouling off the first three pitches.

[VanMan]

Hudson just singled in the infield off Graffanino. He's the tying run.

[VanMan]

Byrnes just flew out to Gwynn on the first pitch to end the game. We're 4 1/2 back now.