8/21 Cubs@Giants 9:15pm; TV: CSN, Radio: WGN

[ryno4ever]

The Cubs open their final West Coast road trip of the season Tuesday night in San Francisco, as Jason Marquis faces off against Tim Lincecum and the Giants.
The Cubs are coming off a rain-shortened three-game series in which they won two of three against the St. Louis Cardinals. Sunday night's contest between the two teams was postponed due to rain, and no makeup date has been scheduled.

The Cubs are tied with the Brewers for the National League Central lead, while the Giants find themselves last in the NL West, but winners of five straight. The Cubs took three of four from San Francisco July 16-19 in Chicago, and are looking to win the season series for the second time in three years.

Marquis has not faced the Giants this season but is 3-0 with a 2.92 ERA in four career appearances, three starts, against them. He last faced the Giants in San Francisco on May 23, 2006, giving up five runs on six hits over 8 1/3 innings to pick up the victory. Marquis will have to find a way to deal with Barry Bonds, who is batting .500 (5-for-10) with two home runs against the right-hander.

The Giants will open the series behind Lincecum, who did not get a decision in a 3-2 loss to the Cubs on July 16 at Wrigley.

Rich Hill will start against Barry Zito on Wednesday. Hill gave up two runs over eight innings against Lincecum and the Giants on July 16 for the win. Carlos Zambrano, who started Sunday's game before it was postponed, will face Matt Cain in the series finale.

The Cubs are 14-3-2 in series this season when winning the first game, but are only 2-17-2 after losing the opener. After San Francisco, they will travel to NL West-leading Arizona for three before returning to Chicago for a 10-game homestand.

"It will be a tough little trip," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. "San Francisco's starting to score some runs, and Arizona's played awfully well."

Pitching matchup
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/jm.jpg
CHC: RHP Jason Marquis (10-7, 4.25 ERA)
Marquis is coming off a win over the Reds in which he gave up four runs on seven hits and four walks over six innings. He had one bad inning, but the Cubs helped with an offensive outburst in a 12-4 win. Marquis was 3-10 in the second half last year but appears unlikely to repeat that. He's reached double-digit victories for the fourth straight year.

SF: RHP Tim Lincecum (7-3, 3.95 ERA)
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/linecum.jpg
San Francisco pulled out another win behind Lincecum in his last start against the Braves. The young ace lasted only five innings and gave up three earned runs, but received plenty of run support in a 9-3 victory. Lincecum struggled through a 35-pitch first inning, in which he gave up two runs, but looked smooth through the rest of his start. It was the first time Lincecum hasn't reached six innings since June 19, but he still earned the win. The Giants have won seven of Lincecum's past 10 outings.

Players to watch
Derrek Lee needs to have a better road trip than his last one. During the Cubs' seven-game trip to Houston and Colorado from Aug. 6-12, Lee batted .148. He has, however, reached base safely in 30 of his last 34 games, dating back to July 6. Aramis Ramirez was 6-for-13 against the Giants earlier this season.

[ryno4ever]

Is it just me, or does Linecum look like he's 12?

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/happybirthdaysign.jpg to Jason Marquis! May you give yourself (and your fans) the best birthday present possible! A WIN!

[ryno4ever]

Larry Rothschild is not with the team. He is back in Chicago with his ailing father.

[ryno4ever]

Cubs lineup:

Theriot ss
Jones cf
DLee 1b
Aram 3b
Floyd lf
Derosa rf
Fontenot 2B
Kendall c
Marquis p

[ryno4ever]

Soriano has been taking BP, but not running. They are really trying to make sure they are careful with him as to not aggrivate the injury any further and end his season..

[ryno4ever]

Tonight, in Arizona, Milwaukee:

Weeks
Gross
Fielder
Braun
Jenkins
Hall
Estrada
Hardy
Bush

DIAMONDBACKS:
Young
Hudson
Byrnes
Jackson
Drew
Renyolds
Upton
Montero
Hernandez

[ryno4ever]

Bonds is in the lineup tonight for the Giants...as well as many of the other 40+ year olds on the Giants team.

VanMan's EDIT: Heather, I know you might have a lot on your mind with Pizza Hut duties and all, but we all know Bonds is not a Brewer.

[ryno4ever]

Marquis vs Bonds

.500

5 hits
2 homers
3 RBI's

[VanMan]

Just had to correct Heather on her second-to-last post, because she said that Bonds was in the line-up for the Brewers. I changed it to the Giants.

Ah, moderation! It's a beautiful thing!

[ryno4ever]

Hi Mara and Eric! Do you guys know who the "injury delay" was for in the Milwaukee game? It just had injury delay on gameday!

[ARamfan]

Hi Heather,

Thanks for putting up this double game thread again. It's helpful in keeping track of those pesky Brewers. In 72 hours I will be sitting at Chase Field watching the Cubs coming up to bat right about this time! :D

[ryno4ever]

Bonds is in the lineup tonight for the Giants...as well as many of the other 40+ year olds on the Giants team.

VanMan's EDIT: Heather, I know you might have a lot on your mind with Pizza Hut duties and all, but we all know Bonds is not a Brewer.

Nah...not work issues.... I just want to get these Brewers behind us for good! It's almost more stressful watching the Brewers than watching the Cubs!

[VanMan]

I haven't heard. I'm watching BB8 right now before flipping over to CSN.

[VanMan]

Nah...not work issues.... I just want to get these Brewers behind us for good! It's almost more stressful watching the Brewers than watching the Cubs!
Just messing with your head.

[ryno4ever]

Sweet, Mara! Take pictures!!!!! I would love to go to an away game some day! To be one of those thousands of fans that make the home fans feel like they are on the visiting team!

[ryno4ever]

Top of the first inning in Arizona, Livan Hernandez got out of the inning 1-2-3. Weeks and Gross flied out, and he got FatBoy Fielder to pop out.

[ryno4ever]

Bottom of the first, also 1-2-3. Young lined out, Hudson grounded out, and Byrnes struckout. No score going to the second inning.

[ARamfan]

Hi Mara and Eric! Do you guys know who the "injury delay" was for in the Milwaukee game? It just had injury delay on gameday!

No, I haven't heard anything. And nothing on the Brewers website either.

[VanMan]

Cards are down 2-0 to Florida in the bottom of the 6th.

[ARamfan]

Sweet, Mara! Take pictures!!!!! I would love to go to an away game some day! To be one of those thousands of fans that make the home fans feel like they are on the visiting team!

That's how it will be. There will be thousands of Cubs fans all in jerseys or other Cubs gear! It's weird because there will some D'backs fans in their gear, but a lot of them just wear their 'everyday' clothes. Also, this series will be one of the few sellouts for Chase Field this season.

[VanMan]

You have to exect the Cub fans to be in Chase Field (formerly the BOB) in force, as nearby Mesa is the Cubs' spring training home. That area is a huge Cubs hotbed.

[ryno4ever]

Milwuakee just took a 1-0 lead. Going to the bottom of the second. I will be back in a few minutes, have to go get Junior in bed!

[VanMan]

J.J. Hardy had an RBI single in the top of the second to score Bill Hall to put the Brewers up, 1-0.

[VanMan]

Pujols had a solo shot in the bottom of the sixth to make it 2-1 Fish.

[ARamfan]

You have to exect the Cub fans to be in Chase Field (formerly the BOB) in force, as nearby Mesa is the Cubs' spring training home. That area is a huge Cubs hotbed.

It definitely is and I love seeing all those other Cubs fans! I think it overwhelms the D'backs fans to see all of us at those games. And to see how dedicated and enthusiastic we are. They are NOTHING like Cubs fans.

[VanMan]

It definitely is and I love seeing all those other Cubs fans! I think it overwhelms the D'backs fans to see all of us at those games. And to see how dedicated and enthusiastic we are. They are NOTHING like Cubs fans.
Of course they aren't. The D-Backs haven't had enough time as a franchise to establish a nationwide fanbase that the Cubs have. (Of course, most of the Cubs games during the early days of cable on WGN helped a lot.)

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Good evening fellow Fogpoggers. Just in time for first pitch and to watch the Cubbies to a victory :)

[VanMan]

Conditions at AT&T: 64 degrees, 74% humidity, light winds.

[VanMan]

Ryan Theriot steps into the box to lead off the game, sponsored by Benny's Beverage Depot. First pitch is a fastball, 94, for a called strike. Another 94mph fastball on the low-outside corner, 0-2. Grounder to Vizquel, over to Klesko for the first out.

[VanMan]

Jacque Jones is next. He takes a fastball in the dirt, 1-0. He pops one to left in foul ground, Bonds is over to make a basket catch. Two away.

[VanMan]

Derek Lee takes a 97 mph fastball for a strike. He chops one up the middle, Vizquel is there to cut it off and retire the side. Three up, three down for the Cubs in the first.

Middle 1st, Cubs 0, Giants coming up

[VanMan]

Taking a look at the Milwaukee-Arizona game, it seems Livan Hernandez is all over the place.

[VanMan]

Dave Roberts takes a breaking ball inside for ball one. Change up is over for strike one. Another off-speed pitch low, 2-1. Sinker is fouled off, 2-2. The kayaks are out in McCovey Cove. Roberts fouls one off to the left. Off-speed pitch is high, full count. Fastball up and away, Roberts takes a lead-off walk.

[VanMan]

Two-seamer misses away to Ray Durham, ball one. Fastball high, 2-0. Sinker misses low and away, 3-0, and Kendall is coming out for a talking-to with Marquis. Roberts goes, but the fastball misses inside for ball four.

[VanMan]

Randy Winn takes a curve over for strike one. An 88-mph fastball misses upstairs, 1-1. Fastball, 91, low and in, 2-1. Sinker, 90, misses low, 3-1. Bonds is on deck. Grounder foul past first, full count. Runners go, bouncer to second, Fontenot tries to tag Durham, but misses, throw to first gets Winn, but both runners move up 90 feet.

Barry Bonds takes an intentional walk with first base open and one out.

[ryno4ever]

What is going on with Jason???????

[ryno4ever]

Another walk to come back to hurt us.

[VanMan]

Bases loaded with one out for Ryan Klesko. Two-seamer hits the outside edge, strike one. Grounder to Theriot, too slow for a double play, Vizquel will score, throw to first, Lee holds the bag to get Theriot. Two out, Giants up 1-0.

[ryno4ever]

Could have been worse....he keeps this up, he may lose a no hitter!

[VanMan]

Bengie Molina takes a ball. He pops the next pitch up to the right in foul ground, Lee is over about three feet from the rail and makes the catch. One run on no hits, no errors, two left.

End 1st, Giants 1, Cubs 0

[ryno4ever]

The Brauny Guy is up in Arizona.....

[VanMan]

Could have been worse....he keeps this up, he may lose a no hitter!
Yeah, but at this pace, the Giants would score about five or six runs with no hits. Marquis has to hunker down and throw strikes!

[VanMan]

Lou was just shown telling the media he was going to put Soriano on the Coke bottles.

Ramirez grounds the first pitch to Vizquel for the first out.

[ryno4ever]

...and after 7 pitches, he popped out to second base, it is still 1-0 Milwaukee in the fourth.

[VanMan]

Cliff Floyd, just back from bereavement, takes a sinking fastball for a strike. A 94 mph fastball is down the pipe for strike two. Grounder to Durham, over to Klesko for the out.

[VanMan]

DeRosa grounds the first pitch into the hole, Vizquel is there, over to first, not in time! Both players dove, Vizquel's dive made him not field the ball cleanly, and DeRosa dove into first.

[ryno4ever]

Nice play DERO!http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/thumbsup.gif

[VanMan]

Fontenot takes a pitch inside, ball one. He fouls a fastball off the catcher's mitt, 1-1. Pickoff attempt at first, Klesko had to shuffle his feet to keep the ball in the dirt from getting away. An 84mph change is swung and missed, 1-2. Another change up is waved and missed. No runs, a hit, one left.

Middle 2nd, Giants 1, Cubs 0

[VanMan]

Pedro Feliz grounds to Theriot on the first pitch. One pitch, one out.

[VanMan]

Omar Vizquel takes a breaker wide. An 88 mph fastball catches the zone, strike one. Bunt attempt pulled back, pitch missed, 2-1. Vizquel grounds to his opposite number, Theriot, over to Lee for the second out.

[VanMan]

The pitcher Lincecum takes a sinker for a strike. Another sinker is over for strike two. Sinker misses away, 1-2. Lincecum swings and misses to retire the side. 1-2-3 go the Giants.

End 2nd, Giants 1, Cubs 0

[VanMan]

Kendall takes a ball upstairs. A 92 mph fastball hits the zone for strike one. Another fastball, 94, hits the outside corner, 1-2. A 95 mph fastball misses high, 2-2. Kendall looks at a 94 mph fastball for a called third strike.

[ryno4ever]

Lincecum has some pretty nasty stuff!

[ryno4ever]

How bout a homer on your bday, Jason?????

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

I'm watching the San Fransisco announcers on extra innings, wow are they bad. Anyway, Marquis needs to calm down, the walks already cost him a run. I hope the pre-game scouting report included the low fastball from this guy Lincecum, he can be flat out nasty.

[ryno4ever]

Hey there neifi!!!!!

[VanMan]

Marquis takes a strike. A fastball, 94, hits the low-outside corner. An 81-mph change is fouled off. A 95 mph fastball misses high, 1-2. Change up, 82, is swung on and missed, two gone.

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/not%20so%20fun%20times/frust4.gif This umpires strike zone is the entire space from dugout to dugout!!!!

[VanMan]

Theriot takes a fastball high and tight, ball one. A 90mph fastball is over for strike one. Grounder to Lincecum, flipped to Klesko for the third out. Cubs go down in order.

Middle 3rd, Giants 1, Cubs 0

[VanMan]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/not%20so%20fun%20times/frust4.gif This umpires strike zone is the entire space from dugout to dugout!!!!
Actually, Kendall was thinking the ump was squeezing Marquis after he called the third strike on him.

[ryno4ever]

and from the top row of the upper deck to the bottom of the plate!

[ryno4ever]

still the same score in Arizona.

[VanMan]

Roberts showed bunt, took a curve for strike one. Fouled to the screen, 0-2. Fastball misses up and in, 1-2. Sinker, 88, misses low and away, 2-2. Liner to center, Jones is there as it hangs for him, one out.

[VanMan]

Durham grounds the first pitch to Fontenot, two away.

[ARamfan]

I'm watching the San Fransisco announcers on extra innings, wow are they bad.

Hi Neifi. I'm listening to them on mlb.tv and they do suck! :p

[VanMan]

Winn takes a sinker for a strike. A jam shot floats behind short and third, it finds grass beyond the reach of Theriot. One on, two out.

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/giants/Barry_Bonds.jpg

Barroids almost got him!!!!!

[VanMan]

Bonds takes a sinker low. Fastball skips up to Kendall, 2-0. Bonds yanks a fastball inside foul off the bricks, it broke his bat, so the big man needs some new lumber. Grounder, right to Lee, he steps on the pillow to retire Bonds, who never left the box. No runs, a hit, one left.

End 3rd, Giants 1, Cubs 0

[VanMan]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/giants/Barry_Bonds.jpg

Barroids almost got him!!!!!
Where do you get all those graphics, Heather?

[ryno4ever]

(sorry, couldn't resist that one!)

[ryno4ever]

lots of places.... a lot from the places you get stuff to use on myspace pages.

[VanMan]

Milwaukee just scored again, this time J.J. Hardy had a double, then Rickie Weeks tripled to score him. It's 2-0 Brewers.

[VanMan]

AFLAC Trivia:

Can you name two of the five former Cubs that are tied for the most that have given up homers to Bonds?

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/2652a017.gif

[ARamfan]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/giants/Barry_Bonds.jpg

Barroids almost got him!!!!!

This is great, where did you find it? You never cease to amaze me. :D

[VanMan]

Jones, on a 2-1 pitch, pops to center, Roberts is there for the catch.

[VanMan]

Lee takes a fastball high. Another fastball misses low, 2-0. Another fastball misses high, 3-0. Fastball, 94, right down Broadway, 3-1. Lee foul tips a 94 mph fastball to fill the count. He swings and misses another 94 mph fastball, two down.

[ryno4ever]

This is great, where did you find it? You never cease to amaze me. :D

ahhhh....I have many more...just waiting for the right times to use them. I'll have a different one next time Barroids comes up to the plate!;)

[ryno4ever]

Brewers are up 2-0

[ryno4ever]

We need to get this guy out of there!

[VanMan]

Ramirez swings and misses a 93 mph fastball. Another 94 mph fastball is fouled back. The gun hits 96 as Ramirez fouls another back. A change up, 80, is golfed into center, Roberts is there to retire the side. Another 1-2-3 inning.

Middle 4th, Giants 1, Cubs 0

[VanMan]

We need to get this guy out of there!
The problem is the guys aren't even getting close to his 94mph fastball or his 80mph change.

[VanMan]

AFLAC answer

Greg Maddux and Terry Mulholland.

[ARamfan]

ahhhh....I have many more...just waiting for the right times to use them. I'll have a different one next time Barroids comes up to the plate!;)

Oh goody! :cool:

[VanMan]

Klesko takes a ball, then takes a curve for a strike. He fouls one off, 1-2. Grounder back to Marquis, flip to Lee for the first out.

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/thApplause-1.gif nice play Jason!

[VanMan]

Molina takes a sinker, 91, low. Another sinker, 89, bends over the knees for strike one. Grounder to Theriot up the middle, he takes a moment with Molina running slowly, throws to Lee for the out.

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/2652a017.gif "AFLAC"

[ryno4ever]

I'm glad to see jason has settled down. Now we need to get teh offense going.

[VanMan]

Feliz takes a strike. He swings and misses an 85mph slider, 0-2. High fastball misses too high. Slider misses low and away, 2-2. Lifted to right center, Jones is there, but he misjudged it! It drops in front of him and DeRosa. Feliz hustles into second for a bloop double.

[VanMan]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/2652a017.gif "AFLAC"
I think you're late with that duck, Heather.

[ryno4ever]

come on Jason....FOCUS ON THE ZONE!

[VanMan]

Lou's out to strategize about Vizquel. They decide to go after him.

Slider misses outside, ball one. Sinker is in the dirt, ball two. Slider away, ball three. Ball four will be intentional.

[VanMan]

Lincecum with two out and two on grounds to Ramirez, he steps on third to end the inning while forcing out Feliz. No runs, a hit, a semi-intentional walk and two left.

End 4th, Giants 1, Cubs 0

[VanMan]

Chris Young led off the bottom of the 6th with a home run to cut the Brewer lead to 2-1.

[VanMan]

Floyd rolls the first pitch to Vizquel.

[ryno4ever]

UUUUGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!! HIT THE FREAKING BALL....AND NOT AT SOMEONE!!!
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/not%20so%20fun%20times/Peanuts-Aaugh-Print-C12204996.jpg

[VanMan]

DeRosa takes a fastball for a strike. Another fastball misses high, DeRosa checked his swing. He takes a fastball for a strike. Fastball, 96, misses low, 2-2. Broken bat, grounder to Feliz, over to Klesko for the second out.

[ryno4ever]

We're getting shut down by a little leaguer!

[ryno4ever]

Hi the, thebisquit! (BTW, very interesting screen name!)

[VanMan]

Fontenot takes a fastball at the letters, strike one. Change up bounces, ball one. Fontenot fouls a 93 mph fastball off to the left, 1-2. High fastball, 95, checked and taken, ball two. Liner to right, caught for the third out.

Middle 5th, Giants 1, Cubs 0

[ryno4ever]

In arizona, the dbacks have men at 1st and 3rd, one out.....

[VanMan]

Arizona just scored again...

[ryno4ever]

and stephen drew just tied with with a double! Men at second and third and one out! LET'S GO DBACKS!
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/diamondbacks/Arizona_Diamondbacks1.png

[VanMan]

...Byrnes doubled, advanced to third on a single by Jackson, and then scores on a double by Drew. It's 2-2 with runners on second and third.

[ryno4ever]

Bases loaded now, Renyolds was hit by a pitch

[ryno4ever]

Bush is losing it. He has thrown the next two balls low and away in the dirt with the bases loaded to Justin Upton

[VanMan]

Roberts takes a ball. He fouls one off to the left, 1-1. A hanging sinker is fouled back to the screen, 1-2. Foul back on an 87 mph slider. Sinker in the dirt, 2-2. Grounder to Fontenot, over to Lee to retire Roberts.

[VanMan]

St. Louis won, 5-2, with four in the 8th.

[VanMan]

Durham took a ball, then fouled the next two back. Grounder to Fontenot, two gone.

[ryno4ever]

Arizona left em loaded and leaves it tied at 2

[VanMan]

Winn takes a hanging curve for ball one. He took a half swing but a full strike. A slider on the outside edge makes it 1-2. Another slider hits the corner for a called strike three. Nothing doing for the G-Men.

End 5th, Giants 1, Cubs 0

[VanMan]

Well, we know the Cards are going to gain on someone.

[VanMan]

Kendall takes a strike on a 92 mph fastball. Sharp single through the hole, he's on with a lead-off single ahead of Marquis.

[VanMan]

Marquis, probably bunting, is next, but first, Lincecum keeps Kendall close at first. Fastball is high and away as Marquis showed bunt. Bunt attempt is foul tipped into Molina's mitt, 1-1. Marquis bunts through another fastball, 1-2. He pulls it back and swings and misses a change-up, strike three.

[VanMan]

Theriot hits a fly ball to left-center. Roberts makes the catch, but he does a hip check on Bonds, who tumbled into center field.

[VanMan]

Jones takes a fastball, 91, for a strike. Chopper to Durham to retire the side. No runs, a hit, one left.

Middle 6th, Giants 1, Cubs 0

[VanMan]

Estrada had an RBI double to bring in Hall to let the Brewers re-take the lead in Arizona, 3-2.

[ryno4ever]

You know who leads off the next inning?

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/giants/barrybondsonsteroids.jpg

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/giants/cheat.jpg This may be one of his last at bats....so I'll share some more!

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/giants/cereal-7-6-3_13-22.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/giants/m_261dcfa7268814439423112aae71dc44.jpg

[VanMan]

Bonds leads off the bottom of the 6th. He takes a slider away, ball one. Slider misses low and in, 2-0. Sinker is over for strike one. A high fastball is swung and missed, 2-2. Backdoor cutter catches the outside corner for strike three called. Have a seat Barry!

[VanMan]

Klesko fouls the first pitch off, a slider misses inside, 1-1. Slider catches the inside corner, 1-2. Sinker is over for strike three, and Klesko briefly comments to the home-plate ump.

[ryno4ever]

Klesko can't complain too much, there have been worse called strikes tonight.

[VanMan]

Molina pops a 1-0 pitch to right center. Jones and DeRosa bump each other, and the ball funds DeRosa's glove. Nothing doing for the Giants in the 6th.

End 6th, Giants 1, Cubs 0

[ryno4ever]

Hmmmm...DeRo and JJ...how about one of you calling for the ball, as you both almost collide for the second time tonight.

[TheriotSterio]

What a great pitched game by marquis. Wish we could get him a couple runs and give him a chance to win this.

[VanMan]

Heather, I gotta say I'm loving your graphics, especially the last three Barry Bonds ones.

[TheriotSterio]

Heart of the order coming up. This may be our do or die inning.

[ryno4ever]

We need some luck, so I'm sprinkling the fairy dust now!

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/misc%20cubs%20fun/thtink2.gif

[ARamfan]

I'm enjoying those graphics too, especially the box of Cheaties!

[VanMan]

Lee leads off the 7th, takes a slightly-off-speed pitch for a strike, then a fastball misses up and in, 1-1. Fastball, 93, hits the low-inside corner, 1-2. Foul ball past Sinatro, and the ball dude can't make the play. Grounder into the hole, Vizquel picks it, flicks it, and just gets Lee at first! Typical play for the gold glover.

[ryno4ever]

Okay, so Tinkerbell may be a little too feminine....
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/misc%20cubs%20fun/thwandra.gif

[VanMan]

Ramirez takes a strike. Another fastball, 94, hits the outer portion for strike two. Ramirez pops up the next high fastball, Vizquel is there to make the play.

[VanMan]

Jones grounds the first pitch to Durham. Time to stretch by the bay.

Middle 7th, Giants 1, Cubs 0

This game's going by quick.

[ryno4ever]

very bad news in Arizona...very very bad news.

[VanMan]

Gabe Gross just hit a grand slam in Arizona, making it 7-2 Brewers. :(

[ARamfan]

Gabe Gross just hit a grand slam in Arizona, making it 7-2 Brewers. :(

Oh noooooooo! I'm feeling sick. :(

[VanMan]

Okay, so Tinkerbell may be a little too feminine....
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/misc%20cubs%20fun/thwandra.gif
Well, there are plenty of faries in San Francisco! :D

[VanMan]

Feliz fouls off the first pitch, then takes a breaker inside. Grounder to Theriot, over to Lee for the first out.

[ryno4ever]

7-2 and the inning isn't over with Fatman at the plate.http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/brewers/pa3323-lge.jpg

[VanMan]

Vizquel takes a change for a strike. Ground ball foul past Lee and outside of first, 0-2. Sinker was thrown 7' high, ball one. Fouled over the screen. Liner past Lee, gets under the bullpen bench! Vizquel heads to third with a one-out triple.

[VanMan]

Lou's heading out, talking with Marquis and the infielders about how to approach the next hitter.

[ryno4ever]

We need one of those adrenaline pumping, heart racing, can't go to bed for hours amazing comebacks!

[ryno4ever]

That was a HUGE out!

[VanMan]

Lincecum slaps one foul, 0-1. Infield is in. Slider misses away, 1-1. Swing and a miss on a low and away pitch, 1-2. Grounder to Fontenot, they hold Vizquel at third, flip to Lee to retire the Giant hurler. Two down.

[ARamfan]

Well, there are plenty of faries in San Francisco! :D

LOL, very good Eric!

[ryno4ever]

Not Eyre! I'm not THAT comfy with him yet to have him face Bonds!

[VanMan]

Roberts takes a curve for a strike. Slider misses high and away, 1-1. Roberts showed bunt, pitch is low, appeal, no offering, 2-1. Scott Eyre is up in the Cubs pen. Fastball in the dirt, 3-1. Ramirez is in on the grass at third, everyone else back. Grounder foul between his legs, full count. Time called. Durham on deck. The payoff pitch is in the dirt, ball four, runners on the corners.

[VanMan]

Durham takes a curve, Roberts steals second, called strike one. Sharp foul ball past the first-base coach, 0-2. Busted bat, liner slicing... foul! The barrell came right out toward Marquis again. Sinking fastball misses inside, 1-2. Pop foul out of play behind the Giant dugout. Kendall calls time to discuss the next pitch. Slider is swung on and missed, Kendall applies the tag to end the inning. No runs, a hit, a walk and two left. Marquis is able to wriggle off the hook on this one.

End 7th, Giants 1, Cubs 0

[ryno4ever]

Okay, so the fairy dust didn't work, let's try Lucky the Leprechaun and Lucky Care Bear!

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/luck/jigha.gif

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/luck/luckybear.gif

[VanMan]

LOL, very good Eric!
Hey, I try my best.

[VanMan]

Okay, so the fairy dust didn't work, let's try Lucky the Leprechaun and Lucky Care Bear!

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/luck/jigha.gif

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/luck/luckybear.gif
How about a picture of Jeff Smarjia (sp?), since he's a former Irish.

[VanMan]

DeRosa takes a pitch inside, ball one. Fastball, 92, is over for strike one. Pop fly to Durham, one down.

[VanMan]

Fontenot takes a tailing fastball, 93, for strike one. Change up, 79, is over for strike two. Fastball, 96, misses high, ball one. Fontenot gets sillied up by swinging at a high fastball away for strike three.

[ryno4ever]

I'll try anything right now!

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/players/thNewAuto-Samardzija2copy.jpg

[VanMan]

Kendall takes a fastball, 91, way inside. Fastball, 92, hits black on the inside, strike one. Change up is low and in, 2-1. Fastball, 93, is high, 3-1. Daryle Ward is on deck. Fastball high, ball four.

[ryno4ever]

DW! Be my hero tonight!

[ryno4ever]

Maybe it was the lucky Notre Damer!

[VanMan]

Ward, pinch hitting for Marquis, takes a tailing two-seamer for strike one on the outside corner. Fastball, 93, misses high and away, 1-1. He swings and misses an 84 mph change up, 1-2. Another change up is swung and missed, and Lincecum does a Big Z impression. No runs, no hits, a walk and one left.

Middle 8th, Giants 1, Cubs 0

[VanMan]

Maybe it was the lucky Notre Damer!
Unfortunately, that didn't work either.

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/not%20so%20fun%20times/thumbsdown.gif Jeez!

[VanMan]

Scott Eyre is now in to pitch. Winn to lead off, he takes a 90 mph fastball low. Fly ball to left-center, Jones backpedals and makes the catch.

[VanMan]

Bonds grounds the first pitch, spin takes it toward Ramirez, he barehands, throws to Lee and gets him!

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/giants/Bonds30806.jpg

That at bat went too fast!

[ryno4ever]

Come on Scottie! You got past the Big Boy....

[ryno4ever]

Impressive!

[ryno4ever]

Okay, guys, any idea for luck?

[VanMan]

Klesko fouls the first pitch into the screen, 0-1. Fly ball to left field, Floyd backpedals into traffic... no wait, those are painted on that wall, anyway, he makes the over the head catch to retire the side. Just six pitches for Eyre to down the Giants.

End 8th, Giants 1, Cubs 0

[VanMan]

Okay, guys, any idea for luck?
How about a picture of Ramirez's walk-off vs. Milwaukee?

[VanMan]

Hey! Turnbow's in for the Brewers!

[VanMan]

Rajai Davis comes in to play center, Roberts moves to left, Lincecum still in to complete the game. Theriot leads off. He takes a 94 mph fastball for strike one. He slaps one to right against the wall, he cruises into second with a lead-off double!

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/rammy.jpg and as I was loading this....theriot goes for 2!

[VanMan]

See what I mean?

[ryno4ever]

Listen to the Cub Fans!

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/players/Ryan-Theriot-Cut.png

[VanMan]

Jones swings and fouls off the first pitch. Ground ball past Feliz, Theriot had to retreat briefly and then go to third. Cubs have the runners on the corners for Derek Lee!

[ryno4ever]

Okay, here's another one, then!

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/players/rammy.jpg

[ARamfan]

How about a picture of Ramirez's walk-off vs. Milwaukee?

That might do it!

[VanMan]

After Dave Riggetti talks with Lincecum, Lee steps in. He hits one through the hole on the first pitch to score Theriot! Tied at 1!

[VanMan]

Now Ramirez comes up with Jones on second, Lee on first!

[ryno4ever]

How about another one!

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Ramirez.jpg

[VanMan]

Lincecum will be pulled for Brad Hennesey. Top of the ninth, tied at one with no one out and runners at first and second.

[ryno4ever]

Mara, are you catching who may be our hero tonight???

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/players/untitled.jpg

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Ronnie is going nuts!!! AND SO AM I!!!

[VanMan]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/rammy.jpg
Okay, here's another one, then!

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/players/rammy.jpg

How about another one!

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Ramirez.jpg

Keep 'em comin'!:D

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/players/aramisbkgrbd.jpg COME ON RAMMY!

[ryno4ever]

And the BIG ONE

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/fullj.getty73395768jd007_milwaukee_bre_5_46_54_pm. jpg

[ARamfan]

Mara, are you catching who may be our hero tonight???

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/players/untitled.jpg

Yes I am. He's my hero EVERY day and night! :D

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/players/aramisramirez.jpg
Our good luck charm!

[VanMan]

First pitch from Hennessey misses low and away, Molina able to stop it. Ramirez, on the 1-0, swings and misses a change. Ramirez calls time before Hennessey comes set. Fastball, 91, low and away, 2-1. Popped foul out of play, 2-2. Eyre could win if the Cubs take the lead. Slider crosses up Molina, full count. The payoff pitch... instead a look at Jones. Now the 3-2... low and away, they're loaded for Cliff Floyd!

[ryno4ever]

Van...Floyd pix or Ram pix?

[VanMan]

Floyd, with the bases loaded, has to be thinking of dedicating his next RBI to his father. Fastball just misses low! I wonder if Cornelius is looking down right now at his son. Grounder gets through to right! Jones scores! Lee comes around third, he gets around Molina! Cubs up 3-1! That's for you, Cornelius Floyd!

[ryno4ever]

I think I could cry right now! He looks like he is just gonna bawl!

[VanMan]

Van...Floyd pix or Ram pix?
Anyone's pic right now, Heather!

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/10652orc1wjf0ja.gif

YESSSSSSS!

[VanMan]

DeRosa sac bunts, advancing Ramirez and Floyd up a base, both runners in scoring position with one out now.

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/garfield-1.gif We're winning...oh, yeah, oh yeah! We're winning, we're winning , oh yeah, oh yeah!

[VanMan]

Hennessey is being pulled for another reliever. He'd be tagged for the loss if we hold in the bottom of the ninth.

[VanMan]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/garfield-1.gif We're winning...oh, yeah, oh yeah! We're winning, we're winning , oh yeah, oh yeah!
Now you're pulling out the Garfield gifs! LOL!

[ryno4ever]

Like I said, I have many saved up for many situations! :)

[VanMan]

Floyd just getting pulled for Pie to pinch run.

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/th113200298_s.gif Anyone else feel like dancin?

[VanMan]

Jake Fox bats for Fontenot, he fouls the first pitch off. Curve is low, 1-1. Pitch in the dirt in front of the plate, 2-1. Fox fouls it off his front foot. Fox strikes out swinging.

[VanMan]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/th113200298_s.gif Anyone else feel like dancin?
I'll wait until after the bottom of the ninth.

[ryno4ever]

Ken-dall! Ken-dall! Ken-dall!!

[ryno4ever]

I'm just relieved that our offense didn't get completely shut down! That was so discouraging!

[ryno4ever]

HELL YES! PARDON MY LANGUAGE! BUT HELL YEAH!

[VanMan]

Kendall takes a curve on the outside corner. Another curve misses away, 1-1. Grounder up the middle, base hit! Ramirez scores easily, Pie scores easily. Two-RBI single for Kendall, and the Cubs are now up 5-1!

[ryno4ever]

WOOO HOOOOO
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/52xyr8z.gif

[ryno4ever]

Wow...and it's not even a save situation!!!!

[VanMan]

Murton to pinch hit for Eyre. He pops one to shallow right-center, Winn comes in to make the catch, but the damage is done. Five big runs, five hits, a walk and one left.

Middle 9th, Cubs 5, Giants 1

[ARamfan]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/th113200298_s.gif Anyone else feel like dancin?

I do. This is unbelievable! I'm happy for Cliff. ;)

[ryno4ever]

We need one of those adrenaline pumping, heart racing, can't go to bed for hours amazing comebacks!

THIS is what I was talking about in about the 6th inning!

[VanMan]

With it not a save situation, Dempster comes in to pitch, while Murton stays in the game to play left field, Pie stays in to play center, Jones shifts to right, and DeRosa goes to second.

[ryno4ever]

Way to go Demp...just throw strikes.....one out!

[VanMan]

First pitch to Molina is a strike called. Pop fly to DeRosa at second, one out.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

BTW this game thread puts Fogpog over 30,000 posts!!! :)

[ryno4ever]

Come on Demp!

[VanMan]

First pitch to Feliz is a ball. Sinker misses low and away, 2-0. Another pitch low, 3-0. Ball four, high, walked him with one out.

[VanMan]

BTW this game thread puts Fogpog over 30,000 posts!!! :)
Nice to know we passed a milestone!

[ryno4ever]

BTW this game thread puts Fogpog over 30,000 posts!!! :)


http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/1505345866.gif
Way to go fellow fogpoggers!! That is freaking awesome! We are freaking awesome!

[ARamfan]

THIS is what I was talking about in about the 6th inning!

Well, we got it! It truly was an amazing comeback. I don't think the Giants know what hit 'em! :D

[VanMan]

Vizquel takes the first pitch high and away. Fastball, 89, over for strike one. Swing and a miss, 1-2. Chopper to Lee, only one play, to step on the bag, Feliz goes to second with two out.

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/thApplause-1.gif

2 OUTS! ON YOUR FEET CUB FANS!

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Cubs%20Win/0w.gif

CUBS WIN! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! THE CUBS WIN!!!!

[ARamfan]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/thApplause-1.gif

2 OUTS! ON YOUR FEET CUB FANS!

On my feet in front of the computer screen! :)

[VanMan]

As my browser crashed, the pinch hitter chops one to DeRosa to end the game. Cubs win! Cubs win! No ground gained by Milwaukee or St. Louis!

[VanMan]

Len and Bob are talking with Cliff. He said it felt like his father was in his body when he got the big GW RBIs.

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/dancingbaby03.gif Now, my friends, IT'S TIME TO DANCE!

[ARamfan]

Len and Bob are talking with Cliff. He said it felt like his father was in his body when he got the big GW RBIs.

I think Cornelius might have joined the team tonight. ;)

[ryno4ever]

On my feet in front of the computer screen! :)

My brother and sister in law were over here the other night and my son and I were watching the game, come two outs in the top of the ninth inning (at home), and my son and I both stood up! My brother and sis in law looked at us like we were crazy and asked what we were doing. My son looked at them and said "Duh... the Cubs have one more out to get a win! You always have to stand up and then sing Go Cubs Go!" My brother accused me of child abuse in the form of brain washing right then and there! (He's not a big baseball fan!)

[ryno4ever]

I think Cornelius might have joined the team tonight. ;)

Angel in the outfield
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/aaaassss222.gif

[VanMan]

Totals for the game, Cubs had five runs on seven hits, no errors, four left on base. The winning pitcher was Scott Eyre, he improves to 1-1. The Giants had one run on three hits, no errors, eight left on base. The hard-luck loser was Tim Lincecum, he's now 7-4. Lincecum was dominant for eight innings, but he gave up three straight hits to start the ninth, and all three proved to be his downfall. Jason Marquis gets off the hook after giving up just one run on three hits and five walks. He struck out five, and his ERA improves to 4.12. The game was witnessed by 41,242, and was played in 2 hours and 20 minutes.

[ryno4ever]

Wait until all of those people who gave up and went to bed get up in the morning and see the score!

[VanMan]

My brother and sister in law were over here the other night and my son and I were watching the game, come two outs in the top of the ninth inning (at home), and my son and I both stood up! My brother and sis in law looked at us like we were crazy and asked what we were doing. My son looked at them and said "Duh... the Cubs have one more out to get a win! You always have to stand up and then sing Go Cubs Go!" My brother accused me of child abuse in the form of brain washing right then and there! (He's not a big baseball fan!)
Tell your brother to get a clue! Baseball isn't child abuse! It's child enrichment. :D

[VanMan]

Wait until all of those people who gave up and went to bed get up in the morning and see the score!
That's why you don't give up on this team anymore.

[VanMan]

Well, the Diamondbacks scored two in the bottom of the ninth, but the Brewers ended up winning, 7-4. At least we're still in a fraction of a percentage point lead.

[VanMan]

Angel in the outfield
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/aaaassss222.gif
Looking at the SportsNite replay, it definately looks like something pushed that grounder past Durham and guided Lee around Molina. Hmm...

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

What makes this that much better is we have seen how this team responds to wins like this. They tend to come in bunches and this could lead us through a tough road trip with the winning attitude. This could be the last hot streak to end the season :)

[ryno4ever]

Looking at the SportsNite replay, it definately looks like something pushed that grounder past Durham and guided Lee around Molina. Hmm...

I'll have to re-watch the replay!

[ARamfan]

I'll have to re-watch the replay!

I was thinking the same thing.

[ryno4ever]

It is midnight here, and I am NOT going to be able to go to bed anytime soon!

[ARamfan]

It is midnight here, and I am NOT going to be able to go to bed anytime soon!

Me neither, I'm wound up like a top! What a game! And I'm counting down the hours until Friday night's game, which I will be attending!:)

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Cubs%20Win/harytrib.gif

"Go Cubs Go-oh-oh
Go Cubs Go-oh oh
Hey Chicago whattya say?
The Cubs are gonna win today!"

[VanMan]

It is midnight here, and I am NOT going to be able to go to bed anytime soon!
I wasn't planning on going to bed myself. I was going to turn on my XBOX 360 and play some DOA4.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

It is midnight here, and I am NOT going to be able to go to bed anytime soon!

Around the 7th I was ready to fall asleep. Its now 1:00 A.M., after a dramatic ninth I am wide awake and I have to be up at 7 to take my Daughter to school for the first time. Can anyone say allnighter?:D

[ryno4ever]

Around the 7th I was ready to fall asleep. Its now 1:00 A.M., after a dramatic ninth I am wide awake and I have to be up at 7 to take my Daughter to school for the first time. Can anyone say allnighter?:D

I'm in the same boat, Sheff! But, I also don't have to work tomorrow, so as soon as I drop him off at school, I can crawl back into bed for awhile!

[SkullKey]

* ..... My brother accused me of child abuse in the form of brain washing right then and there! (He's not a big baseball fan! ..... "

Patience with the Grasshopper - he has much to learn.

My Father - a mental health professional - used to literally try to "cure" me of my Cubs "affliction". It didn't take. I thank God.

Goodnight to everyone - what a satisfying victory !

I think this is just about the most pleasureable of all the 44 or so seasons I have followed Cubs baseball.. Quite frankly I trhink Fogpog is a major part of that - plus the remarkable achievements of this team: to a large degree they have "kicked" the loser mind-set out the door. I acknowledge Management as major contributors. And as I have said before, Lou Piniella is on a mission; he is on his way to Manager of the Year in my opinion. (LaRussa is doing a heck of a job too. I just hope he loses in the end. He will.)

[VanMan]

SkullKey:

I have to agree with you that management has been responsible for the shedding of the loser mentality of this club. I don't know what past managers and general managers and club presidents have done over the years, but when Lou came in and said he doesn't believe in curses, that was the first step to getting this team over the 98-year funk we've seen so far.

[ryno4ever]

I think this is just about the most pleasureable of all the 44 or so seasons I have followed Cubs baseball.. Quite frankly I trhink Fogpog is a major part of that

I have to agree there, Skullkey! It is so nice to have other people with the same passion to talk to before, during, and after the games. People who share the same emotions...and emotional breakdowns, at times...as I do.

BTW....I love your Retardinal avitar!

[ARamfan]

I have to agree there, Skullkey! It is so nice to have other people with the same passion to talk to before, during, and after the games. People who share the same emotions...and emotional breakdowns, at times...as I do.

I have to agree with both of you. It's great to be able to talk to people who share the same passion for the Cubs. No one in my household even likes baseball to begin with and my extended family consists of D'backs and Padres fans. So, without fogpog I'd be on my own here! :(