9/11 CHC @ HOU, 7:05 p.m.; TV: CSN; Radio: WGN

[VanMan]

The Cubs are coming off a one-game sweep of the Cardinals in the one-game homestand (OK, so it was a make-up of the rain out from last-month) and have jetted into Houston on a high after a 12-3 trouncing of St. Louis.

The starting line-ups for tonight's game:

Chicago Cubs (73-70, Tied for first in NL Central)
1. Alfonso Soriano, LF (.294, 24 HR, 53 RBI)
2. Ryan Theriot, SS (.275, 3 HR, 42 RBI)
3. Derrek Lee, 1B (.315, 18 HR, 74 RBI)
4. Cliff Floyd, RF (.282, 5 HR, 40 RBI)
5. Aramis Ramirez, 3B (.320, 22 HR, 86 RBI)
6. Mark DeRosa, 2B (.288, 8 HR, 65 RBI)
7. Jacque Jones, CF (.271, 5 HR, 56 RBI)
8. Jason Kendall, C (.245, 3 HR, 40 RBI)
9. Jason Marquis, P (.145, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 11-8, 4.13 ERA)

Houston Astros (62-81, last in NL Central, 11 GB)
1. Hunter Pence, CF (.323, 14 HR, 56 RBI)
2. Craig Biggio, 2B (.252, 10 HR, 47 RBI)
3. Lance Berkman, 1B (.239, 29 HR, 90 RBI)
4. Carlos Lee, LF (.298, 27 HR, 105 RBI)
5. Mark Loretta, SS (.276, 2 HR, 34 RBI)
6. Luke Scott, RF (.258, 18 HR, 63 RBI)
7. Ty Wigginton, 3B (.280, 19 HR, 61 RBI)
8. Humberto Quintero, C (.214, 0 HR, 1 RBI)
9. Brandon Backe, P (.000, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0-1, 4.76 ERA)

[VanMan]

Soriano leads off against Backe, on his second start since returning from Tommy John surgery. First pitch is a strike, and we're underway. Soriano pops one foul back and out of play. He swings and misses a change on the outside, one down.

[VanMan]

Theriot takes a fastball inside, ball one. Fastball high, ball two. Another fastball high and inside, 3-0. Another fastball high, Theriot takes the base on balls.

[VanMan]

Lee steps in as Backe throws to first to keep Theriot close. Breaker misses low and away, Quintero throws behind Theriot, he's back in time. Grounder... foul near third. The 1-1 pitch is swung and missed, off-speed, for strike two. Fastball is low, 2-2, with Theriot taking a healthy lead. Off-speed pitch bounced foul. Fastball catches the low-outside corner, called strike three, and Lee didn't like it.

[Drockvb]

Lee needs to shut up and hit.

[VanMan]

Floyd takes a breaking ball for strike one. Slider misses away, 1-1. He fouls one back, 1-2. Floyd yanks one foul to the left into the second deck. Floyd calls time. The 1-2, misses well away, ball two. Screaming line drive up the middle finds its way into center for a hit. Theriot rounds second, the throw is cut off, Theriot at third.

[VanMan]

Ramirez takes a slider away, called strike one. Fastball misses low and in, 1-1. Fouled off the end of the bat, 1-2. Fly ball to right, Scott is there to make the catch. No runs, a hit and a walk, two left.

Middle 1st, Cubs 0, Astros coming up

[VanMan]

Marquis takes the mound and faces Pence first. First pitch bounces by Kendall for ball one. Pop fly to shallow center, DeRosa is there to record the out.

[VanMan]

Biggio takes an off-speed pitch low, ball one. Line drive to left-center, makes it to the gap. That's hit No. 3,047, and it goes for a double.

[VanMan]

Berkman takes a pitch in the dirt, blocked by Kendall, ball one. He checks his swing, but went too far, strike one. Pop up, foul ground, behind the Astro dugout and out of play, 1-2. Grounder to Lee, he'll take it to the bag, Biggio advances to third with two out.

[VanMan]

El Caballo (Carlos Lee) steps in with two gone. Breaking ball misses low and away. Slider misses away, 2-0. Slider is chased, strike one. Fastball catches the inside corner, C. Lee didn't like that either, 2-2. Pop up, behind first, D. Lee makes the catch to retire the side. No runs, a hit, one left.

End 1st, Cubs 0, Astros 0

[VanMan]

Other scores of interest, Milwaukee is leading at Pittsburgh, 2-0, in the top of the sixth. Prince Fielder hit HR No. 44 on the year. Cincinnati leads St. Louis, 7-2.

[VanMan]

DeRosa skies the 1-0 pitch to center, Pence is there for the out.

[VanMan]

Jones takes a breaking ball on the inside corner, called strike one. Fastball down the middle, 0-2. Off-speed pitch misses high and in, 1-2. Fastball misses high and inside, ball two. Jones golfs a pitch over Biggio into right field for a one-out single.

[VanMan]

Kendall takes a slider, but it's over for strike one. He drills one foul to the left-field side grandstands, 0-2. Pop up, foul over the Cub dugout and out of play. Milwaukee now leads 4-0 over Pittsburgh. Grounder, fair, past third, Jones is being sent, relay from C. Lee not going to be made, Kendall hits an RBI double and the Cubs lead, 1-0.

[VanMan]

Marquis fouls the first pitch out of play. Slider is low and in, 1-1. Popped to left, C. Lee is under to make the catch, Kendall holds at second, two out.

[VanMan]

Soriano takes a tailing fastball over for strike one. Fastball high and in, umpire Andy Fletcher immediately calls an HBP, but the Astros are claiming it hit the bat, and it's a fair ball. Fletcher consults with the rest of the crew. Replay shows it may have hit him in the heel of the bottom hand, and the umpires confirm the call. Cecil Cooper is out to discuss the play.

[Drockvb]

LOL, the Houston broadcast guys make me laugh.

[VanMan]

Theriot takes a slider away, ball one. Slider away again, ball two, and Quintero is out to consult with Backe. Slider low, ball three. D. Lee on deck. Fastball hits the outside corner for strike one. Slider misses low, bases now loaded.

[VanMan]

LOL, the Houston broadcast guys make me laugh.
What're they saying?

[VanMan]

D. Lee takes a breaking ball high, ball one. Fastball misses low and away, 2-0. Pitching coach out to chat up his pitcher. Lee flies to right, Scott is there to retire the side. The Cubs score one on two hits, a walk, a hit batter and the bases were left loaded.

Middle 2nd, Cubs 1, Astros 0

[SKIPPER 11]

Terrible AB by Lee. 2-0 count he swings at a borderline pitch- curve ball off the plate- and flies to RF,

[VanMan]

Loretta takes a called strike. Slider is low, Marquis lands awkwardly, 1-1. Slider misses low and away, 2-1. Pitch high, 3-1. Fly ball to center, Jones is there to make the catch. One down.

[VanMan]

Scott takes a curve for strike one. Fastball is high, 1-1. Golfed deep to right but yanked foul into the second deck, about 20 feet right of the foul pole. Liner to center, Jones will play it on two hops to give Scott a single.

[VanMan]

Wigginton takes a backup slider inside, ball one. Slow bouncer to third, Ramirez looks at second, but throws to first to get Wigginton, Scott moves up 90 feet. Two down.

[VanMan]

Quintero takes a slider in the dirt, Kendall can't find it! Scott leisurely advances to third and stays there. Slider misses away and low, 2-0. Slider is over for a strike. Slider low and away, pops out of Kendall's mitt, scored a wild pitch, and Scott scores to make it 1-1. Quintero swings and misses, full count. Fly ball to right, Floyd charges and makes the catch. One run, one hit, no one left.

End 2nd, Cubs 1, Astros 1

[SKIPPER 11]

Christmas present run for the Astros- cant let that affect us. Marquis crossed him up

[VanMan]

Floyd leads off the third for the Cubs. He takes a slider high, ball one. The 1-0 is in the dirt, ball two. Slider low and in, 3-0. Another one misses, Floyd walks to lead off the inning.

[VanMan]

Ramirez takes a slider for strike one. He shoots one foul to the right, 0-2. Fastball misses away, Quintero makes a quick throw to first, Floyd back in time. Yanked foul to the left, out of play. High fly ball to left, C. Lee lets it hit off the out-of-town scoreboard in front of the Crawford Boxes. Floyd rounds second heads to third, Ramirez holds with a single.

[VanMan]

DeRosa takes the next pitch into the Crawford Boxes, shows Ramirez how it's done for a three-run homer to put the Cubs up 4-1!

[VanMan]

Jones takes a fastball over the knees for a strike. Fastball misses inside, 1-1. Another one misses inside, Jones had to get out of the way of the ball heading for his front thigh. Grounder to Berkman, flip to Backe for the out.

[VanMan]

Kendall takes a fastball away, ball one. Slider misses low and away, Kendall checks his swing, appeal, no swing, ball two. Fastball over the knees, strike one. Fastball misses high, 3-1. Fastball down the pipe, full count. Grounder to Loretta, over to Berkman for the second out.

[Drockvb]

What're they saying?

How Lou should pinch Soriano's hand to make it looked bruised after the HBP.

[VanMan]

Marquis takes a ball low and away. Fastball low and away, 2-0. Pop up, near the Cub dugout, but Wigginton is able to make the catch and retire the side. However, the Cubs score three on three hits, including a three-run homer by DeRosa, no one left on base.

Middle 3rd, Cubs 4, Astros 1

[VanMan]

How Lou should pinch Soriano's hand to make it looked bruised after the HBP.
Gotta love homer announcers.

[Drockvb]

Gotta love homer announcers.

LOL, they were kidding around of course. I like these guys, they aren't bad.

[VanMan]

Backe takes a strike. He grounds to Ramirez, over to D. Lee for the first out. Milwaukee now leads 6-0 in Pittsburgh.

[VanMan]

Pence takes a breaking ball for strike one. He swings and misses an off-speed pitch, 0-2. He fouls off the next pitch. Slider hangs and misses away, 1-2. Line drive drops in front of Jones, another one-out hit.

[VanMan]

Biggio takes a slider for a strike. Time called by Biggio. Pop up, shallow left-center, Soriano is there... he dropped it! However, since Pence was holding up, Soriano throws to DeRosa to force Pence.

[Drockvb]

Haha, Soriano with the most unconventional of outfield assists.

Stupid hop

[VanMan]

Berkman takes a ball in the dirt. Comebacker to Marquis, flip to D. Lee to retire the side. No runs, a hit, one left.

End 3rd, Cubs 4, Astros 1

[VanMan]

Haha, Soriano with the most unconventional of outfield assists.

Stupid hop
He actually took his eyes off the ball to check on Pence. Luckily, he was able to get the ball before Pence could make it to second and give Soriano an error instead of his umpteenth OF assist.

[SKIPPER 11]

Enough of the hop skip and jump out of Soriano- I was OK with it until he dropped one

[VanMan]

Soriano takes one high, ball one. Fastball misses away, 2-0. He swings and misses at a breaking ball low and away, 2-1. A change in scoring, the second wild pitch to Marquis was changed to a passed ball. The 2-1 misses away. Smoked to left, off the wall, knocks the No. 5 for Boston off the wall, C. Lee holds Soriano to a single.

[Drockvb]

Enough of the hop skip and jump out of Soriano- I was OK with it until he dropped one

Wouldn't hopping like that effect your last second reflexes in case you were not in the right position or you took your eye off the ball?

I think it would. But i doubt he will change.

[VanMan]

Theriot takes a backup slider over the plate for strike one. Grounder up the middle, Loretta is able to field it, step on second and toss to Berkman for the DP.

[VanMan]

Lee takes the first two pitches for balls. Low and away, 3-0. Fouled off to the right, 3-1. Off speed pitch is high and away, Lee walks. Backe is now up to 82 pitches.

[VanMan]

Floyd takes a pitch low and away, maybe a back-up slider. Fastball misses away, 2-0. Pop fly to right, Scott there to retire the side. No runs, a hit, a walk, one left.

Middle 4th, Cubs 4, Astros 1

[SKIPPER 11]

I just love when Rammy has to lead off an inning- sarcastic

[VanMan]

C. Lee leads off the fourth, he takes a pitch high, ball one. Fastball over for strike one called. Grounder to Theriot, over to D. Lee for the first out.

[VanMan]

Loretta takes a strike on a slider. Grounder to Theriot, over to D. Lee to get Loretta after he busted his bat.

[VanMan]

Scott grounds the first pitch to DeRosa, over to Lee for the 1-2-3 inning.

End 4th, Cubs 4, Astros 1

[VanMan]

Fifth inning, Ramirez leads off. He fouls the first pitch straight back to the screen. Grounder to Loretta, over to Berkman for the out.

[VanMan]

DeRosa bounces the first pitch foul. Slider misses away, 1-1. Len and Bob just saying the Cubs won't face both Wandy Rodriguez, who'll miss his scheduled start due to a bum thumb, and Roy Oswalt. Slider bounces for ball two. Breaker hits the zone, called strike two. Slider away, full count. Nubber foul down the first-base line. Liner to left, C. Lee makes the catch on the track in front of the Crawford boxes.

[VanMan]

Jones fouls one at the plate off Quintero. Backdoor slider over for strike two. Swing and a miss, strike three. 1-2-3 inning for Backe, his first of the game.

Middle 5th, Cubs 4, Astros 1

[SKIPPER 11]

Man, I know he has had a rough outing- but I like this Backe guy- he is full of energy

[VanMan]

Wigginton takes the first pitch for a ball up and in, then fouls the next past third. Grounder foul near the Cub dugout, 1-2. Swing and a miss on a slider, strike three.

[VanMan]

Quintero flares the first pitch to right field for a double.

[VanMan]

Jason Lane will pinch hit for Backe. He's 2-for-12 as a pinch hitter with a homer. Backdoor slider is called for strike one. Drilled through the hole for a hit, but Quintero had to hold up. Runners on first and third with one out.

[VanMan]

Pence takes a slider away, ball one. Liner to the right-center gap. Quintero scores, Lane scores, Pence makes it to third with a two-RBI triple, Cubs' lead is now just 4-3.

[ARamfan]

Hi guys, I'm not too happy with what just happened. Now it's 4-3. :mad: Looks like Brew Crew will be winning tonight, 6-1 bottom of the ninth.

[VanMan]

Biggio grounds the first pitch to Theriot with the infield in, Pence has to hold, throw to first for the out.

[VanMan]

Berkman one-hops one to Lee to retire the side. Astros do get two on three hits, one left, but the Cubs dodge a bullet that could've resulted in a tie game.

End 5th, Cubs 4, Astros 3

[VanMan]

Hi guys, I'm not too happy with what just happened. Now it's 4-3. :mad: Looks like Brew Crew will be winning tonight, 6-1 bottom of the ninth.
Well, we're going to get into that Astro pen, which I don't think is too good in the middle. We'll stay in a tie after tonight.

I also see Turnbow is pitching now for Milwaukee.

[ARamfan]

[QUOTE=VanMan Well, we're going to get into that Astro pen, which I don't think is too good in the middle. We'll stay in a tie after tonight.

I hope you're right. I don't sleep well when we fall to 2nd place. Where's Heather this evening? Working? :confused:

[VanMan]

Chris Sampson is now pitching for Houston. He'll face Kendall first. Splitter is low, ball one. Sinker is over for strike one. Splitter fouled off, 1-2. Slider misses low and away, 2-2. Grounder, foul, past third. Slider misses low and away, full count. Pop foul back and out of play. Kendall calls time. Another foul ball near the Astro dugout and out of play. Marquis is on deck. Foul past Quade. Fastball misses away, ball four.

[VanMan]

Where's Heather this evening? Working? :confused:
I don't know. She could be.

[VanMan]

Marquis looks to sacrifice, he takes the first pitch and fouls off the second off the end of his bat. The 1-1 is fouled off the plate, 1-2. Time called by Quintero, as the two can't get a pitch. Milwaukee does beat Pittsburgh, 6-1. Curveball is over for called strike three.

[VanMan]

Soriano takes a ball low. He pops one back out of play, 1-1. Slider misses low and away, 2-1. Swing and a miss, 2-2. Slider misses in the dirt low and away, full count. Fouled out of play. Fly ball to left, C. Lee moves a couple steps to make the catch, two gone.

[VanMan]

Theriot fouls the first pitch back and out of play. Curve misses up and in, 1-1. Fastball up and away, ball two. Liner foul, out of play, 2-2. Theriot takes a called strike three. No runs, a walk, one left.

Middle 6th, Cubs 4, Astros 3

[VanMan]

Carlos Lee leads off the 6th for the Astros. He takes a slider for a strike. Marmol is up in the Cub pen. Line drive off the glove of Ramirez, into left field for a hit.

[VanMan]

Loretta takes a ball. A drive into the left-center field gap, Lee chugs around second, he's being sent around third, possible play at the plate, but the relay is off-line, game is tied at 4.

[VanMan]

Lou has come out to get Marquis and bring in Marmol. Marquis has pitched 5+ innings, allowed four runs so far, three earned, on eight hits, and one strike out. He's responsible for Loretta at second.

[ARamfan]

Loretta takes a ball. A drive into the left-center field gap, Lee chugs around second, he's being sent around third, possible play at the plate, but the relay is off-line, game is tied at 4.

$h!t ^^&%#%$$&**&&(*&&&&)****%$%$#$#@@%^! :mad:

[VanMan]

Scott is the first to face Marmol. Marmol pumps a fastball over for strike one. Upstairs and in, ball one. Slider is over for strike two. Another slider is chased, Scott went a bit too far for strike three.

[VanMan]

Wigginton takes a fastball up and in, ball one. Slider drops over for a strike, one and one. Marmol steps off while looking at Loretta. Pop foul out of play to the right side, 1-2. Another foul ball. Grounder to Ramirez, he dives and stops it, he gets up, but the throw to Lee is late, Loretta holds at second on the infield single.

[VanMan]

Quintero takes high and away, ball one. Slider, check swing, appeal to first, he went, strike one. Time called by Kendall. Marmol has that electric slider. Fastball is swung on late and missed, 1-2. Slider is swung and missed in the dirt, strike three.

[VanMan]

Orlando Palmeiro pinch hits. He takes a fastball away, ball one. Fastball at the belt, inner half, strike one. Slider misses low and in, ball two. Time called. Slider is jerked foul, 2-2. Another pitch on the inside corner fouled. Grounder to Lee, he'll take it to the bag to end the inning. One run on three hits, two left on base.

End 6th, Cubs 4, Astros 4

[ARamfan]

Heart of the order coming up here. Come on guys!

[VanMan]

Top 7th, Lee to lead off for the Cubs. Dave Borkowski is now in and throws one low, ball one. Lee fouls one back, 1-1. Upstairs, ball two. Fastball low, 3-1. Swing and a miss on a high pitch, full count. Lee calls time. Time called again. He fouls one back, out of play. Another foul ball, he's spoiling them off. Liner to right, Scott ranges back and leaps to make the catch.

[VanMan]

Floyd smashes a single through the hole to right field. Pie now comes on to pinch run.

[VanMan]

Ramirez takes a fastball for strike one on the outer half. Borkowski makes a move to first to keep Pie close. Pitch fouled back to the screen, 0-2. Slider misses away, ball one. Slider swung and missed, strike three.

[VanMan]

DeRosa steps in, but Borkowski throws to first. Fastball high, ball one. Fastball misses low and away, 2-0. Grounder to short, Loretta flips to Biggio to retire the side. No runs, a hit, one left.

Middle 7th, Cubs 4, Astros 4

[ARamfan]

I don't like these tie games, Eric. Hope we don't have yet another nail-biter tonight.

[VanMan]

Pie stays in the game to play center, Jones moves to right.

[VanMan]

I don't like these tie games, Eric. Hope we don't have yet another nail-biter tonight.
As long as the Cubs win, I don't mind.

[VanMan]

Pence swings awkwardly at the first two pitches, then fouls one off. Two sliders missed away. He drives one to left... it's foul on a slider. Pence wobble-knees a foul ball. He swings and misses on a fastball, strike three.

[VanMan]

Biggio takes a strike on a high fastball. Chad Qualls warming up. Slider low, swung and missed, 0-2. Another slider is swung and missed, strike three.

[VanMan]

Berkman takes a slider for a strike. Fastball misses up and in, 1-1. Slider low, 2-1. Bob Howry loosening up for the Cubs. Pop fly on the infield, Ramirez calls everyone off to make the catch. Nothing doing for the Astros.

End 7th, Cubs 4, Astros 4

[VanMan]

Qualls comes in for the Astros to pitch. Jones leads off the inning, followed by Kendall and a pinch hitter. He grounds one up the middle slowly past the mound, Biggio gets to it but eats it to allow Jones to reach for an infield single.

[VanMan]

Kendall bunts up the middle, Wigginton fields and throws to Biggio covering first, Jones advances on the sacrifice, 5-4.

[VanMan]

Daryle Ward is now pinch hitting, but the Astros will intentionally walk him. Soriano will be next. Sam Fuld will run for Ward.

[VanMan]

Soriano pops up the first pitch, infield fly rule, Loretta catches it, two gone.

[VanMan]

Theriot drives one to left-center, C. Lee dives and MAKES THE CATCH! Oh, baby! Cubs get no runs on one hit, an intentional walk and two left on base.

Middle 8th, Cubs 4, Astros 4

[VanMan]

Howry comes in for the Cubs to pitch, and he'll face C. Lee. Fastball low, ball one. Lee fouls one back and out of play, 1-1. Seventieth appearance for Howry. Fastball misses low and away, 2-1. Foul back and out of play, 2-2. Fastball high, full count, Loretta is next. Swing, foul tip, 95 mph fastball, Lee's gone.

[VanMan]

Loretta takes an off-speed pitch high, ball one. Lidge is warming up. Fouled off the Golden Nugget ad, 1-1. Fastball called strike two. Grounder to Ramirez, over to Lee for the out.

[VanMan]

Scott steps in with the Vader March blaring over the PA. Fastball, low and in, Scott skips the rope, ball one. Low outside fastball is fouled off, 1-1. Wigginton is on deck. High fastball, swung and missed, 1-2. Another fastball blows by Scott to retire the side. Nothing for the Astros.

End 8th, Cubs 4, Astros 4

Due up for Chicago, Lee, Pie and Ramirez.

[ARamfan]

Okay, something needs to happen with these bats!

[VanMan]

Lee leads off and takes a back-door slider for a strike. Qualls still in. Comebacker base hit to center. Lee is the lead run on base.

[ryno4ever]

Hey guys! Yep, I was working, then I had to help Junior with homework. NOW I can focus on the game! Another nailbiter, I guess! I just have to keep reminding myself to try to enjoy it, as the regular season is almost over! How about our pen tonight?

[ryno4ever]

Nice Pie!

[VanMan]

Pie tries to bunt, but foul tips it. Dempster is warming up in case. Pie bunts, Wigginton fields and throws to Biggio covering first. Lee advances.

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/aaaassss222.gif I think it's time for CF to come out here!

[ryno4ever]

Hi Jen! Nice to see you here! Hi Mara and Eric!

[VanMan]

Ramirez offers at the first pitch, 90 mph slider in the dirt. Slider misses low and away, 1-1. Another slider, in the dirt, ball two. The 2-1 is another slider, low. Ramirez calls time. Gotta look for another one away. Slider misses low, ball four.

[VanMan]

Hello Heather!

[VanMan]

DeRosa takes a slider away, ball one. Grounder to Loretta, to Biggio and to Berkman for the 6-4-3. No runs, a hit, a walk and one left.

Middle 9th, Cubs 4, Astros 4

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/not%20so%20fun%20times/mad-2.gif ANOTHER DOUBLE PLAY!

[VanMan]

Astros will have Wigginton, Quatro and a pinch hitter due in the 9th.

[ryno4ever]

I just don't get it.... it's like when there is any sort of pressure on the batter at the plate, they forget all about the "science" of hitting and just swing at anything that looks like a round white ball coming near them! BAM Double play...or pop fly!

[VanMan]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/not%20so%20fun%20times/mad-2.gif ANOTHER DOUBLE PLAY!
Yeah, those things pop up at the wrong time.

[ARamfan]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/aaaassss222.gif I think it's time for CF to come out here!

Yes, it's time for CF! We've got a nail-biter deluxe here. :eek:

[VanMan]

Wigginton faces Howry to lead off the 9th. He swings through a fastball, strike one. Fastball misses away, 1-1. Outside, 2-1. Breaking ball fouled off, 2-2. Fastball elevated, Wigginton strikes out swinging.

[VanMan]

I see our Angel in the Outfield has showed up.

[ryno4ever]

Well, the problem is... I DON'T HAVE ANY NAILS LEFT TO BITE! I really do have bleeding nail beds!

[ryno4ever]

Now, I could just find an angel with a bat...and not have to look in Oakland!

[VanMan]

Quintero hits one a ton, but it sliced out of play, a long, loud strike. Fastball fouled off Kendall's mask, 0-2. Mike Lamb is on deck to hit for Qualls. High fastball, half swing, full strike out.

[ryno4ever]

How about Marmol and Howry???? THEY DESERVE TO GET A W FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES TONIGHT!

[VanMan]

Lamb now up in a PH role. Howry comes set. Grounder to DeRosa, over to Lee to retire the side. It's bonus baseball time in in the Juice Box!

End 9th, Cubs 4, Astros 4

[ryno4ever]

that was great! "I can't wait for Donnie Veal to come up to the big leagues to face Mike Lamb!"....cut to commercial!

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/Garfield-2.gif

[ARamfan]

How about Marmol and Howry???? THEY DESERVE TO GET A W FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES TONIGHT!

They have been outstanding tonight. BTW, how are you tonight, Heather? Ready for extra innings?

[VanMan]

Jones will lead off the 10th inning. He'll face Brad Lidge. Let's hope Jones will turn on one like Pujols did a few years ago in the NLCS.

[ryno4ever]

Help me remember..... last year... the night before Ryan O'Malley's storybook debut... weren't we playing at Minute Maid against these Stros?

[VanMan]

Jones swings and misses at the first pitch. Slider is swung on and missed, 0-2. The next pitch is served to left for a bloop single.

[VanMan]

Kendall next. He'll bunt, and Quintero throws out Kendall, 2-4, Jones to second with one gone.

[ryno4ever]

They have been outstanding tonight. BTW, how are you tonight, Heather? Ready for extra innings?

Hi Mara! I'm hanging in there. I came down with a bad cold this last weekend when I was at my cousin's wedding.... and have been fighting it since. I'd be feeling much better if I get to post my W flag tonight! How bout you?

[Doba]

Get on, move him over..............why aren't we knocking in these runs?

[ryno4ever]

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

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/not%20so%20fun%20times/Please-1.gif

[VanMan]

Pinch hitting for Howry is Mike Fontenot. He's 4-for-14 with four walks as a PH. He takes a strike on the outside corner. Curve is swung and missed, 0-2. Slider misses low, 1-2. Another sinking slider low, 2-2. Slider swung and missed, two gone.

[ryno4ever]

damnit

[Doba]

Right now Fonzie!

[VanMan]

Soriano takes a fastball low and in. He fouls one off the end of the bat, 1-1. Foul ball to the left, 1-2. Soriano broke his bat on a 98 mph fastball on that pitch. Swing and a miss on a slider, Cubs retired. No runs, a hit, one left.

Middle 10th, Cubs 4, Astros 4

[ryno4ever]

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

Okay, time for some fairy dust to bring us some luck!

[ARamfan]

Hi Mara! I'm hanging in there. I came down with a bad cold this last weekend when I was at my cousin's wedding.... and have been fighting it since. I'd be feeling much better if I get to post my W flag tonight! How bout you?

Sorry to hear you're not feeling well. :( I was doing fine until I saw Dempster warming up in the pen. I think it might be time for the BIG seatbelt!

[ryno4ever]

Is it Dempster? ooooohhhhhh boy! <Deep Breath>.....<another DEEEEPPP BRRREEAATHHH>

[ryno4ever]

HEY DEMPSTER.......

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

[VanMan]

Dempster to pitch the 10th. Pence will lead off for the Astros. First pitch is low, ball one. Fly ball to center, Pie is there for the catch, one out.

[VanMan]

Biggio next, he takes a sinker on the outer half for a strike. Hanger popped up to DeRosa for the second out.

[VanMan]

Berkman grounds the first pitch to Ramirez, over to Lee to retire the side, 1-2-3.

End 10th, Cubs 4, Astros 4

[VanMan]

Hey, Heather, how's that for no drama?

[ARamfan]

I think THE RIOT is going to do something here.

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/thank-you.gif Dempster!!!!!

[ryno4ever]

THEhttp://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/players/theriot/riotepileptic.gif

[ryno4ever]

We have owned Lidge in the past....why do the bats go quiet now?

[VanMan]

Top 11th, Theriot, who was just simply robbed by Carlos Lee last time up, steps to the plate. He takes a strike. The 0-1 misses upstairs, ball one. Fastball misses high, 2-1. Fastball at the letters, strike two. Fouled back behind the screen. Grounder to Loretta, over to Berkman for the first out.

[VanMan]

Lee is next. He swings and misses a slider, strike one. Fastball misses high and away, 1-1. Slider low, check swing, no swing, ball two. Slider hangs upstairs, 3-1. Slider away, swung and missed, full count. Pie on deck. Fastball fouled off. Pay off pitch, slider in the dirt, Lee walks. Pie will be pulled for Matt Murton.

[ryno4ever]

How about one of your clutch homers right now, Murt?

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Murton is 4-6 against Lidge with a homer!

[VanMan]

Murton has a 4-for-6 line with a HR vs. Lidge. Expect Jones to shift back to CF next half inning. Fastball low, ball one. Another fastball low, 2-0. Off-speed pitch away, 3-0. Ramirez is next. Fastball misses away, ball four. Lee goes to second.

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/game%20situations/luck/luckybear.gif

[VanMan]

Ramirez takes a slider over for strike one. Grounder foul, 0-2, into the Cub dugout. DeRosa would be next. Grounder in the hole, Loretta goes to second, got him there! Murton forced, Lee to third, Ramirez reaches on the FC 6-4.

[ryno4ever]

OMG ..... MY NERVES ARE SHOT!

[VanMan]

DeRosa takes a weak swing and misses, strike one. Slider misses inside, 1-1. Pulled foul on a fastball, 1-2. Astro fans on their feet. DeRosa protects and fouls one off. Pop foul and out of play. Slider low and away, check swing, appeal, Mike Riley said no swing, 2-2. Slider in the dirt, full count. Eighth pitch of the AB coming up. Ramirez goes, foul off to the right on a 95 mph fastball. Fastball misses away, ball four, they're loaded!

[VanMan]

OMG ..... MY NERVES ARE SHOT!
Ditto.

Cecil Cooper is coming out with Jacque Jones due up and Mark McLemore in the pen. Lidge will stay in. Forty-two pitches in the 1 2/3 IP so far.

[ryno4ever]

With all of the breaks the Cubs are getting right now...they have to do something with it!

[VanMan]

Jones takes a slider low and away, ball one. Slider low and in, Jones checks, appeal to third, no swing again, but the Cubs caught a break, 2-0. High fly ball to center, Pence there to make the catch. No runs, no hits, three walks, bases remained loaded.

Middle 11th, Cubs 4, Astros 4

[ryno4ever]

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

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

WTF? Jones this guy has walked 3 in the inning and you swing at a 2-0 pitch?

[ARamfan]

With all of the breaks the Cubs are getting right now...they have to do something with it!

They didn't! My nerves are shot now! I need a xanax or alcohol! I'm doing knee bends and deep breathing! :eek:

[ryno4ever]

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

[VanMan]

C. Lee starts the 11th taking a low away ball. Pop fly to Theriot for the first out.

[ryno4ever]

They didn't! My nerves are shot now! I need a xanax or alcohol! I'm doing knee bends and deep breathing! :eek:
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/not%20so%20fun%20times/prozac/drugs-prozac.jpg
Your choice!

[ryno4ever]

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

[ARamfan]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/not%20so%20fun%20times/prozac/drugs-prozac.jpg
Your choice!

I'm getting on this freeway!

[TRIPLE PLAY]

botom of the 11th, tied @ 4 dont even think about Z's! your boss will understand if ya tardy:eek:

[VanMan]

Loretta takes a breaker high and away, ball one. Sinker is over for strike one. Slider misses low and away, 2-1. Fastball upstairs, 3-1. Pop up, but lands behind the screen foul out of play, full count. Another foul ball. Curve misses high, Loretta walks, the first base runner since the sixth inning and the first walk allowed by the Cubs.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Let the fun begin Dempster starts walking its over all because Jones doesn't know how to take a strike and work the count when the pitcher obviously lost command walking three!!!

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/not%20so%20fun%20times/Peanuts-Aaugh-Print-C12204996.jpg

[TRIPLE PLAY]

OVER!!!

[VanMan]

Scott takes a fastball away, ball one. Eric Bruntlett is pinch running for Loretta. Dempster keeps Bruntlett close. High and away, 2-0. Drive into the gap, all the way to the wall, Bruntlett will circle from first to score the winning run. :(

Final score, Astros 5, Cubs 4, 11 innings

W - Lidge (4-2)
L - Dempster (2-6)

[ryno4ever]

THE FREAKING WALK! THE FIRST WALK OF THE GAME COMES BACK AND COST US THE FREAKING GAME!

[VanMan]

What is up with this team? Did these guys forget how to hit with RISP?

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

THE FREAKING WALK! THE FIRST WALK OF THE GAME COMES BACK AND COST US THE FREAKING GAME!

Nah the 15-16 left on base did enough damage.....

[ARamfan]

Let the fun begin Dempster starts walking its over all because Jones doesn't know how to take a strike and work the count when the pitcher obviously lost command walking three!!!

You were right, Sheff.

[TRIPLE PLAY]

I'm getting on this freeway! is there an exit other than the obvious....this blows panda snatch!! (huh?) i know i'm angry

[ryno4ever]

The offense is so incredibly frustrating! 15 men left on base.... twice, they left them loaded. How many first pitch swings did they take tonight? Why not look at what the pitcher has after a couple of pitches! WHY ARE THEY SO IMPATIENT AT THE PLATE? Every pitcher in the league has to know that they will swing at the first pitch... so they throw them junk! AND THE CUBS SWING AT IT!

[VanMan]

Nah the 15-16 left on base did enough damage.....
I agree with you there. I would never have gone down to that if the hitters would just get a damn RBI with RISP!

[ryno4ever]

Can't wait to hear Lou's conference after this one.

[ryno4ever]

I'm so afraid this my end up like 04! I want to believe...but jeez.... YOU HAVE TO HIT THE BALL TO WIN!

[ryno4ever]

4-1 lead at one point!

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Every pitcher in the league has to know that they will swing at the first pitch... so they throw them junk! AND THE CUBS SWING AT IT!

They are all taking lessons from Alfonso Soriano, the first pitch is always a fastball and it is against the law to let it go. Soriano consistently gets breaking balls low and away on the first pitch and he chases it everytime. I can't remember the last time I seen him get a first pitch strike!!!

[ryno4ever]

This one hurts.

[VanMan]

Looking at the highlights of the game, you have to still wonder what if C. Lee didn't get the ball that Theriot hit into the gap in the 8th inning? That's what saved the game for the Astros right there. If that fell, Cubs win by at least 6-4 in regulation.