8/31 HOU@CHC, 12:05 p.m.; TV: CSN; Radio: WGN

[ryno4ever]

Manager Lou Piniella has said before that September is the month when pennant races really get started. Well, September is here, and the Cubs open the final month of the season in first place in the National League Central.
"Here we are, and [the division] is there for us to take," Piniella said. "We've just got to go out and grab it. It's a culmination of a lot of work on the part of our players, and it's going to be an enjoyable month for them."

The Cubs have been in first place on Sept. 1 or later in 15 seasons since 1900. Thirteen of those times, they went on to win the pennant/division.

This year's club will begin its September push Saturday behind Jason Marquis in the second game of a three-game series against the Houston Astros. Saturday will also be the fifth game of a stretch where the Cubs play 21 of 25 games against division opponents.

"There's going to be some pressure involved, and there's going to be some good competition, because the teams in this division are all starting to play better," Piniella said. "It's not going to be easy, but I'm confident."

Marquis is 0-1 in two starts against Houston this season. The right-hander did not factor in the decision July 15, after he gave up six runs on eight hits over four innings.

The Astros will have rookie Troy Patton go for his first Major League win Saturday in his second career start.

Pitching matchup
CHC: RHP Jason Marquis (10-8, 4.26 ERA)
Marquis is coming off a loss to the Diamondbacks in which he gave up five runs on six hits over 5 1/3 innings. He has two wins in his past five starts but hasn't been consistent. On the plus side, Marquis is 7-3 at home compared to 3-5 on the road.

HOU: LHP Troy Patton (0-1, 4.76 ERA)
Patton made his Major League debut in place of injured right-hander Jason Jennings on Aug. 25, and the 21-year-old Patton gave up three runs on six hits in 5 2/3 innings against the Pirates. He's not overpowering, with a fastball that tops out at 90 mph, and must command his slider, changeup and curveball to be effective. His best pitch is the curve, which has a sharp break, and when it's on, it really sets up his fastball.

Player to watch
Fifteen of Alfonso Soriano's 31 career hits off Astros pitching have gone for extra bases, including seven home runs. Soriano should be fresh after not starting on Friday

[ryno4ever]

Even though this game is just one of many important games for the Cubs for the rest of the season, this may hold even more weight on it with both the Cardinals and Brewers winning last night and the gap we had has now been diminished. We're in first, but it is going to be a fight to stay there.

Dan Pleasac usually gives "keys to the game" before each game, well, here is mine!

1. The offense HAS to come through today. Not just a run here or there, but they have to build up a cushion for the pitching to work with today.

2. Marquis HAS to keep the ball down. I haven't heard the conditions at Wrigley yet, but if it is anything like it is where I am just a couple hours west of chi-town, it's absolutely beautiful with just a hint of wind.

3. Fundamentals will come into play. Both offensive and defensively.

[ryno4ever]

For the first time in 18 years, the Cubs are in first place on September 1st!

[ryno4ever]

Trachscel has not showed up yet, but the cubs do expect him sometime today. Hill will start tomorrow, Z on Monday, Lilly or Trachsel will start Tuesday... he will a starter to give the guys an extra day of rest. Lou is trying to juggle the rotation, which right now he says it is "muddled" trying to figure out which teams he wants to throw righties vs lefties.

[ryno4ever]

Cubs have called up 5 more players.... Gallagher, Eric Patterson, Geovanay Soto!!!! :), Ohman, Cedeno all got the callups.

Ohman actually addressed the media....CSN will air it later.

Cedeno will be starting tomorrow, as many of the players told the reporter that him that Theriot is battling exhaustion.

[ryno4ever]

Nitty Gritty time, friends! The division is ours...we just have to hope our boys go out there and take it!

[ryno4ever]

Dan Pleasac's keys:

1. Marquis has to keep the ball down...quit elevating his sinker. Use the defense behind him. He has pitched some of the most important games for the Cubs, and has pitched well when his back has been up against the wall.

2. Contain Carlos Lee

3. Turn down the volumes on TV and Radio during the 7th inning stretch, as he is singing it!

[ryno4ever]

Pleasac is singing the seventh inning stretch today.

[ryno4ever]

I didn't realize that Jason has not lost back to back games all season!

[ryno4ever]

Marquis may be shaky at times, but I really like this guy! I feel bad that he got the shaft with the Cardinals playoff run last year!

[ryno4ever]

How about a pre-game pep rally to get the team going? It works for high school football!

[ryno4ever]

Pleasac says that Marmol has brought a calm to the bullpen! He says it is their division to win or lose. We have the easiest schedule, and hopefully will be going on a big win streak to put a bigger gap between them and the rest of the division.

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/game%20situations/2Balla.gif

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Cub%20Logos/glittery.gif LINEUPS!

Soriano
Theriot
Lee
Ramirez
Monroe
DeRosa
Kendall
Jones
Marquis



http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/astros/astrosglitter.gif

LINEUPS:

Pence
Burke
Big Butt Berkman
Lee
Loretta
Scott
Wigginton
Ausmus
Patton

[ryno4ever]

Let's start game 134...as "Jump" plays on the speakers at Wrigley and the Cubs take the field!

[ryno4ever]

No Bobblehead Biggio today!

[ryno4ever]

76 degrees

Winds out of the ESE at 5mph!

IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY AT THE BALLPARK

[ryno4ever]

Good start as Marquis throws strike one to start out the game.

[ryno4ever]

Pence strikes out to lead off the game.

[ryno4ever]

Burke grounds out to Lee, who flips it to Marquis as he steps on first. Two quick outs.

[ryno4ever]

Big Butt Berkman at the plate and takes a fastball at the knees.

[ryno4ever]

He hits a liner to Lee...who makes an AWESOME catch!

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

[ryno4ever]

Top 1st: Houston
- H. Pence struck out swinging
- C. Burke grounded out to first
- L. Berkman lined out to first

0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors
Houston 0, Chi Cubs 0

[ryno4ever]

WHY AREN'T THESE GUYS TAKING PITCHES AND MAKING THIS KID WORK A LITTLE? Qickly 2 outs as Soriano out on 3 pitches, Theriot just a couple...and Lee swings at the first two pitches he sees!

[ryno4ever]

Bottom 1st: Chi Cubs
- A. Soriano popped out to shortstop
- R. Theriot fouled out to catcher
- D. Lee lined out to second

0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors
Houston 0, Chi Cubs 0

[ryno4ever]

they are showing Ohman's apology on the air right now, saying that in no way was he trying to 'throw someone under the bus".

[ryno4ever]

Ohman carried the pink backpack today!

[ryno4ever]

Home run for Luke Scott.... Astros up by 1.

[ryno4ever]

Top 2nd: Houston
- C. Lee flied out to right
- M. Loretta lined out to center
- L. Scott homered to deep right center
- T. Wigginton grounded out to second

1 runs, 1 hits, 0 errors
Houston 1, Chi Cubs 0

[ryno4ever]

Aramis is SAFE!!!! YEAHHHHHYYYY!

[ryno4ever]

Come on Monroe! He actually took a pitch!!!

[ryno4ever]

come on derosa, give us homer number 9!

[ryno4ever]

nope, he popped it out, too! grrrrrrrrr

[ryno4ever]

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

[ryno4ever]

Bottom 2nd: Chi Cubs
- A. Ramirez safe at first on first baseman L. Berkman's fielding error
- C. Monroe flied out to left
- M. DeRosa flied out to right
- J. Kendall grounded out to first

0 runs, 0 hits, 1 errors
Houston 1, Chi Cubs 0

[ryno4ever]

Top 3rd: Houston
- B. Ausmus grounded out to third
- T. Patton singled to center
- H. Pence walked, T. Patton to second
- C. Burke grounded into double play third to first, T. Patton out at third

0 runs, 1 hits, 0 errors
Houston 1, Chi Cubs 0

[ryno4ever]

Can the offense come out and play?

[ryno4ever]

Bottom 3rd: Chi Cubs
- J. Jones grounded out to second
- J. Marquis fouled out to deep right
- A. Soriano walked
- R. Theriot doubled to left center, A. Soriano to third, A. Soriano scored on center fielder H. Pence's throwing error
- D. Lee struck out looking

1 runs, 1 hits, 1 errors
Houston 1, Chi Cubs 1

[ryno4ever]

Berkman throws his bat into right field! Wow! I've seen bats go flying, but this landed in right field!

[ryno4ever]

Marquis strikes out both Berkman and Lee!

[ryno4ever]

1-2-3 inning!

[ryno4ever]

Top 4th: Houston
- L. Berkman struck out swinging
- C. Lee struck out looking
- M. Loretta grounded out to first

0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors
Houston 1, Chi Cubs 1

[ryno4ever]

Bottom 4th: Chi Cubs
- A. Ramirez lined out to left
- C. Monroe grounded out to catcher
- M. DeRosa struck out swinging

0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors
Houston 1, Chi Cubs 1

[ARamfan]

Hi Heather! I'm multi-tasking while listening to the game on WGN radio. It's blacked out here today. :( It's definitely a make or break weekend. I hadn't heard about Theriot's exhaustion. I can't say that I'm surprised, he's played his butt off all season. He definitely deserves some rest.

[ryno4ever]

Nice.... Marquis is pitching well today, so far!

[ryno4ever]

Hi Mara! I think a lot of the guys are banged up and tired, but won't admit to it due to the playoff run!

[ryno4ever]

Top 5th: Houston
- L. Scott flied out to right center
- T. Wigginton singled to left
- B. Ausmus grounded out to shortstop, T. Wigginton to second
- T. Patton struck out looking

0 runs, 1 hits, 0 errors
Houston 1, Chi Cubs 1

[ryno4ever]

Now, CAN THE OFFENSE PLEEEEEAAAAASSSSSEEEE COME OUT TO PLAY?????

[ryno4ever]

This home plate up has a very late strike call!

[ryno4ever]

Kendall is HBP!!!!!

[ryno4ever]

Kendall is second on the active list for being hit by pitch, behind Craig Biggio.

[ryno4ever]

come on jj!

[ryno4ever]

Lots of free swingin' today!

[ARamfan]

Ron just said that he has to leave the booth early today, due to a crack in his left prosthesis. He wants to get out before getting caught up in the crowd. He will be on his way soon to get it fixed and will be back tomorrow.

[ryno4ever]

Wow! A Cubs pitcher got a bunt down!

[ryno4ever]

a nice two run crack would be nice right now for soriano.

[ryno4ever]

Bottom 5th: Chi Cubs
- J. Kendall hit by pitch
- J. Jones flied out to left
- J. Marquis sacrificed to third, J. Kendall to second
- A. Soriano fouled out to catcher

0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors
Houston 1, Chi Cubs 1

Top 6th: Houston
- H. Pence flied out to center
- C. Burke struck out looking
- L. Berkman flied out to deep left center

0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors
Houston 1, Chi Cubs 1

[ryno4ever]

Come on boys...find the Big Bats now....PLEASE??????

[ryno4ever]

Wow they just showed a shot of Carlos! He's got blonde hair!!!!! It is standing straight up and the top is blonde!!!!! Wow!

[ryno4ever]

Mara! Your boy just did it again!

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Cubs%20Animations/thAramHop.gif

He just passed Leon the Bull Durham for 12th on the all time Cub home run list!

[ARamfan]

Mara! Your boy just did it again!

Yes he did!!!!! :D:D:D

[ryno4ever]

Bottom 6th: Chi Cubs
- R. Theriot flied out to right
- D. Lee singled to right
- A. Ramirez homered to deep left, D. Lee scored
- C. Monroe struck out swinging
- M. DeRosa hit by pitch
- J. Kendall flied out to right

2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors
Houston 1, Chi Cubs 3

[cubbyfanforever]

I hope Lou does not put in "Dumpster" in the 9th,he gives me ulcers!

[ryno4ever]

Top 7th: Houston
- C. Lee doubled to deep left
- M. Loretta grounded out to shortstop, C. Lee to third
- L. Scott grounded out to second, C. Lee scored
- T. Wigginton singled to left
- M. Lamb hit for B. Ausmus
- C. Marmol relieved J. Marquis
- M. Lamb flied out to right

1 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors
Houston 2, Chi Cubs 3

Bottom 7th: Chi Cubs
- C. Sampson relieved T. Patton
- E. Munson catching
- J. Jones flied out to deep right center
- M. Fontenot hit for C. Marmol
- M. Fontenot grounded out to second
- A. Soriano singled to left
- R. Theriot struck out swinging

0 runs, 1 hits, 0 errors
Houston 2, Chi Cubs 3

Top 8th: Houston
- B. Howry relieved C. Marmol
- E. Munson fouled out to left
- H. Pence flied out to center
- C. Burke flied out to left center

0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors
Houston 2, Chi Cubs 3

[ryno4ever]

I hope Lou does not put in "Dumpster" in the 9th,he gives me ulcers!

He will, unless we can get a blow out inning here and get more than 3 runs. We need a cushion!

[cubbyfanforever]

D.LEEE!!!!!!!!!!

[ryno4ever]

FINALLY

[cubbyfanforever]

HOMMER!,YEAH BABY!

[ARamfan]

D.LEEE!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, DLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

[ryno4ever]

Rammy is making a push for fogpog's POG!

[cubbyfanforever]

Guys I knew yesterday was though,thursday night took a lot out of them,I figure they all got home about midnight and had to be a Wrigley at 10:00 a.m.the next day,just too tough.

[ryno4ever]

COME ON WARD!

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/aaaassss222.gif Cornelius can help out here!

[ARamfan]

I hope Lou does not put in "Dumpster" in the 9th,he gives me ulcers!

I agree. I hope he doesn't put him in either. I can't take it today! :eek:

[ryno4ever]

Guys I knew yesterday was though,thursday night took a lot out of them,I figure they all got home about midnight and had to be a Wrigley at 10:00 a.M.,just too tough.

Len and Bob were talking about that yesterday. I had to be rough, but this is the playoff push, it's part of the game.

[ryno4ever]

How about get about 6 runs in.... and then they put Woody in!

[ARamfan]

COME ON WARD!

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/aaaassss222.gif Cornelius can help out here!

Yes. It's time for Mr. Floyd to come into the game!

[cubbyfanforever]

Len and Bob were talking about that yesterday. I had to be rough, but this is the playoff push, it's part of the game.

I hear you,its up to SWEET LOU to figure that part out,to rest the main core when we play night then day games.

[ryno4ever]

I hear you,its up to SWEET LOU to figure that part out,to rest the main core when we play night then day games.

This is why the September callups are so important. It will help keep guys fresh.

[ryno4ever]

did you guys hear that Rolen is probably done for the season, that it looks like he has to have surgery again?!? That is awesome news for us!

[ryno4ever]

What is the crowd chanting? It's not go "let's go cubbies"

[ryno4ever]

Wow, Kendall...that is a "hit me " pitch!

[cubbyfanforever]

did you guys hear that Rolen is probably done for the season, that it looks like he has to have surgery again?!? That is awesome news for us!

Yes,they picked up Russell Brayon from Phillies to play third base.

[ryno4ever]

Buckle up, boys and girls....it may be a bumpy ride!

[cubbyfanforever]

I have my seat belt on!

[ARamfan]

did you guys hear that Rolen is probably done for the season, that it looks like he has to have surgery again?!? That is awesome news for us!

Yes, I heard it at the beginning of the game on the radio broadcast. I cheered! :D Not that I want him to have to have surgery or be in pain, I just want him out of our way.

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/game%20situations/seatbelt.jpg

[cubbyfanforever]

OH NOOOO! DUMPSTER!

[ryno4ever]

WHEW!

[ARamfan]

Buckle up, boys and girls....it may be a bumpy ride!

Right, seat belts on and start popping those, tums, rolaids, etc. :eek:

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/game%20situations/remoteImage-44.gif

[cubbyfanforever]

MY GOD!

[cubbyfanforever]

SWEET LOU!!!!

[ARamfan]

UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

[ryno4ever]

Here's some to share:

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/not%20so%20fun%20times/tums.jpg

[cubbyfanforever]

I would of put in Marmol!

[cubbyfanforever]

PRILOSEC!

[cubbyfanforever]

DeRo!YES!

[ARamfan]

YAY DERO, 2 DOWN!!!!!!!!!!

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Prozac.jpg and more to share

[ryno4ever]

I would of put in Marmol!

Marmol already pitched today.

[VanMan]

It's a good think D-Lee got that homer in the 8th, becuse Dempster gave up one to El Caballo. Nice timing by DeRosa to get the second out on the hump-backed liner.

[VanMan]

Hey Heather, how bout some Priolsec OTC?

[cubbyfanforever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Prozac.jpg and more to share

Are those the real ones or the fakes ones that come from CHINA?

[VanMan]

Cubs Win!

[cubbyfanforever]

Hey Heather, how bout some Priolsec OTC?
HEY VAN.I use them!

[ryno4ever]

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

[VanMan]

Also, my brother's in the other room yelling at Michigan blowing it against Appalatian State.

[cubbyfanforever]

YES!DUMPSTER is not happy unless he makes it interesting!

[cubbyfanforever]

I think Dumpster has stock in Tums and Prilosec OTC!

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/number1.gif

[VanMan]

Iowa just went three-and-out in Solidier Field, and then one of the gunners for the Hawks just got called for kick catching interference.

[cubbyfanforever]

Marmol already pitched today.

OOPS,Got home in the later innings,sorry!

[ARamfan]

CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN!! Dempster is lucky he didn't blow that one!

[ryno4ever]

Go Cubs Go
Go Cubs Go
Hey Chicago Whattya say?
The Cubs are gonna win today!


Look at that...the fans have not left yet!

[ryno4ever]

CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN!! Dempster is lucky he didn't blow that one!

Actually, they gave a stat the other night that Dempster hasn't blown a save since he came off the DL.

[VanMan]

Appalatian St. 34, Michigan 32, 4th, :26 left.

[VanMan]

Michigan now has the ball in field goal position with 6 seconds left, and they're going for three to win after taking their final time out.

[ARamfan]

Actually, they gave a stat the other night that Dempster hasn't blown a save since he came off the DL.

Oh, I believe that. My problem is with how 'interesting' he has to make it for us! :p

[VanMan]

The kick is blocked!!!! Appalatian State beats Michigan in the Big House!

[VanMan]

Well, I've gotta say that I'm happy the Cubs won (now watching Iowa-NIU after the game ended) and my brother's not so happy because Michigan blew it.

[Jason]

I just got up, because I got so hammered last night... my headache finally subsided.

Good thing I did miss it probably... that 9th inning looked scary.

[ARamfan]

I just got up, because I got so hammered last night... my headache finally subsided.

Good thing I did miss it probably... that 9th inning looked scary.

LOL! Good thing you slept through it. You probably couldn't have taken that 9th inning with a hangover. Drink some grape Gatorade, it'll help. :p