9/17 CIN @ CHC, 7:05 p.m.; TV: CSN; Radio: WGN

[VanMan]

The Cubs are coming off a huge road trip, as they open their final homestand of the season and welcome in the Cincinnati Reds. The Cubs now are 78-72 and a full game up on Milwaukee, but even in the loss column. The last series, where the Cubs won three out of four at St. Louis, combined with the fact the Cardinals have lost 10 of their last 11, knocked the Cubs' most heated rivals essentially out of the NL Central race.

Here are the starting line-ups for game one of the three-game series:

Cincinnati Reds (68-81, fourth in NL Central, 9.5 GB)
1. Norris Hopper, CF (.335, 0 HR, 10 RBI)
2. Jeff Keppinger, SS (.337, 4 HR, 26 RBI)
3. Ken Griffey Jr., RF (.280, 30 HR, 92 RBI)
4. Brandon Phillips, 2B (.291, 29 HR, 89 RBI)
5. Adam Dunn, LF (.269, 39 HR, 104 RBI)
6. Edwin Encarnacion, 3B (.287, 13 HR, 70 RBI)
7. Jorge Cantu, 1B (.265, 1 HR, 10 RBI)
8. David Ross, C (.200, 16 HR, 36 RBI)
9. Bronson Arroyo, P (.111, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 9-14, 4.31 ERA)

Chicago Cubs (78-22, first in NL Central, 1 game ahead)
1. Alfonso Soriano, LF (.290, 27 HR, 58 RBI)
2. Ryan Theriot, SS (.268, 3 HR, 44 RBI)
3. Derrick Lee, 1B (.312, 18 HR, 74 RBI)
4. Aramis Ramirez, 3B (.315, 23 HR, 90 RBI)
5. Cliff Floyd, RF (.287, 8 HR, 43 RBI)
6. Mark DeRosa, 2B (.284, 9 HR, 69 RBI)
7. Jacque Jones, CF (.274, 5 HR, 56 RBI)
8. Jason Kendall, C (.246, 3 HR, 41 RBI)
9. Rich Hill, P (.140, 0 HR, 5 RBI, 9-8, 3.91 ERA)

[VanMan]

Well, the line-ups are in, the ground rules are being discussed, the national anthem is sung, let's get ready to play baseball.

[VanMan]

Cubs have a guy on the mound (Hill) who's been tough on the Reds, and the Reds have a guy on the mound (Arroyo) who's been tough on the Cubs. This'll be an interesting game.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Good evening Vanman, I will try to keep an eye on the PBP of the Brewers game and update it for you.

[VanMan]

Wind is blowing out to left, maybe right-to-left, temperature is 75 degrees.

[VanMan]

Good evening Vanman, I will try to keep an eye on the PBP of the Brewers game and update it for you.
Thanks, Sheff. Appreciate you doing the scoreboard watching.

[VanMan]

Hopper will lead off for the Reds. He shortened up as if to bunt, but takes a high fastball for ball one, and we're underway. High fastball, 91, misses for ball two. Fastball, 91, hits the letters for a called strike one. Hopper fouls back a fastball, 91, about belt high, 2-2. Curve, 74, lined up the middle, Theriot is there to make the catch. One down.

[VanMan]

Keppinger shoots a fastball down the right field line for a hit, it rolls all the way to the wall, and Keppinger reaches third on a one-out triple.

[VanMan]

Griffey, with 593 homers, steps in. He takes a fastball up and in, ball one. He swings and misses at a high heater, 92, 1-1. Fastball, 90, crosses the plate at the thighs to make it 1-2. Griffey swings and misses a fastball, 92, right down the middle for the second out.

[VanMan]

Phillips takes a curve low and in, he checked his swing, ball one. Fastball, 92, is high, 2-0. He swings and misses a 92 mph fastball, 2-1. Curve catches the letters for a called strike two frim Rick Reed behind the plate. Fastball, 94, is swung and missed. Reds get a triple, but he's stranded at third.

Middle 1st, Reds 0, Cubs coming up

[VanMan]

Soriano leads off for the Cubs. He rips the first pitch to right-center, it falls for a hit. Griffey mishandles the ball, Soriano makes his way to second for a double. One pitch, one on.

[VanMan]

Theriot takes a strike as he shortens to bunt. He cues an outside pitch to second, that advances Soriano to third with one out.

[VanMan]

Lee swings and misses a 91 mph fastball on the outside corner, strike one. Arroyo plunks Lee on the left triceps, makes it first and third with one gone for Ramirez.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Weeks walked, Stole 2nd and then advanced to 3rd on bad throw to second. Dillon reached on FC as Weeks was cut down at the plate. Braun was hit by pitch. Fielder struck out swinging. Hart doubles to center scoring 2. Gross popped out foul to third to end the inning.

Brewers - 2
Astros - 0

Heading to the Bottom of the 1st

[VanMan]

Ramirez takes a sinker low and in, ball one. Slider misses away, 2-0. Ramirez is .515 vs. the Reds this year. Fastball, 89, misses high and away, 3-0. Floyd is on deck. Curve dips over for a called strike. Arroyo throws to Cantu to keep Lee close at first. Heater, 89, on the outer half is fouled to the left-field-side grandstands. Full count pitch... first, time called. Fastball catches the knees for a called strike three. Two down.

[VanMan]

Floyd takes a curve ball on the inside corner for a called strike one. Cub dugout starts to jaw at Reed. Hanger is flown to center, Hopper is there for the out. No runs, a hit, a hit batter and two left.

End 1st, Cubs 0, Reds 0

[VanMan]

Hey, Sheff, if you're going to put the score on two different lines, the visiting team goes on top.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Josh Anderson leads off for Houston with a single. Biggio grounds out to Fielder, Anderson advanced to 2nd. Berkman grounded out to 1st, Anderson advances to 3rd. Lee grounds out to the pitcher stranding runner on third.

Brewers - 2
Astros - 0

Heading to the 2nd inning

[VanMan]

Dunn fouls off the first pitch of the second inning to the screen. Curve ball is low, 1-1. Fastball, 92, is over for strike two. Dunn fouls off the 1-2 to the seats. Curve freezes Dunn for strike three.

[VanMan]

Curve to Encarnacion is over for strike one. He chops another curve foul past third, 0-2. Fastball, 94, is swung and missed for the second out.

[ryno4ever]

Hey guys! Beautiful night for baseball!

[VanMan]

Cantu takes a fastball that found its way behind his legs. Sinker is low, 2-0. Fly ball to shallow center, Jones is under it, an easy 1-2-3 inning for Hill.

Middle 2nd, Cubs 0, Reds 0

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/reds/cubs-reds.gif

[VanMan]

Hey guys! Beautiful night for baseball!
Heather!!!! Could've used Cornelius when Cliff was up in the first inning.

[ryno4ever]

I have one more really good one....

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/reds/redstp.jpg

[ryno4ever]

Heather!!!! Could've used Cornelius when Cliff was up in the first inning.

I was at the local pizza place picking up supper!

[VanMan]

DeRosa fouls off a curve ball to start the second inning for the Cubs. He shoots one to right-center, Hopper cuts it off to hold DeRo to a single.

[ryno4ever]

Is it bad to say I have always had a big crush on Arroyo? Not enough to where I would cheer for him tonight...:)

[VanMan]

Jones chops the first pitch, a hanging breaker, foul toward the Red dugout. Hanger is pulled foul into the right-field side seats, 0-2. Arroyo throws to first to keep DeRosa close. Fastball, 89, shoulder high is fouled off to the left and out of play. Change-up, 75, is swung and missed for the first out.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Estrada Grounds out to Berkman. Hardy grounded out to 3rd. Gallardo strikes out swinging.

Brewers - 2
Astros - 0

[VanMan]

Kendall takes a fastball at the belt, called strike one. Change-up hangs, and Kendall raps it through the hole into left field for a single, DeRosa stops at second with one out.

[VanMan]

Hill tries to bunt, but pushes it foul. It's popped, Encarnacion dives, can't get it. Ross picks it up and throws to second to get Kendall on the force. Sacrifice, 5-2-4 fielder's choice. DeRosa to third, Hill to first, two down.

[ryno4ever]

de ja vu?

[VanMan]

Soriano fouls the first pitch off Ross and the umpire, 0-1. He shoots one off the end of the bat foul, Matt Sinatro makes a fine play in the coaches box, 0-2. Slider misses low and away, 1-2. Another slider, swung and missed, side retired. No runs, two hits and two left.

End 2nd, Cubs 0, Reds 0

[VanMan]

de ja vu?
I just hope Hill keeps things going as he has so far, because it looks like Arroyo's going to get out of a lot of jams tonight.

[ryno4ever]

WE NEED CLUTCH HITTING!

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Bottom of 2nd

Hunter Pence lined out to right fielder Gabe Gross. Loretta flies out to right field. Ty Wiggington flies out to center.

Brewers - 2
Astros - 0

[VanMan]

Ross leads off the third. He takes a fastball inside, ball one. A fastball is popped foul back, 1-1. Curve ball is driven down the third base line... fair! Ross motors into second with a lead-off double just ahead of Soriano's throw from the Cub pen.

[VanMan]

Arroyo swings and misses for strike one after showing bunt. Bunted back to Hill, over to DeRosa covering first for the sacrifice, Ross advances to third.

[VanMan]

Hopper swings and misses a high fastball, strike one. Infield in except at short. High fastball, 91, misses, 1-1. Kendall out to chat with Hill. Reed to try to get them to play. Rothschild and a trainer are now out too. Lou's following them out. Hill shoos everyone away. Replay shows a limp on the left leg. Ross was running on a squeeze, but Hopper swung away. Ross does score, and Theriot throws out Hopper, 1-0 Reds.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Top of 3rd

Weeks flied out to center. Dillon grounded out to 3rd. Braun strikes out looking.

Brewers - 2
Astros - 0

[VanMan]

Keppinger takes a curve for ball one. Another curve is in the dirt, 2-0. Fastball up and in, 3-0. Another fastball misses up and in, ball four.

[ryno4ever]

Nice K-Out!

[VanMan]

As Griffey steps in, Hill throws to Lee to keep Keppinger close. Griffey nearly shows bunt, takes up and in, ball one. Fastball catches the outside corner, strike one. Curve is fouled back to the screen, 1-2. Time called by Griffey. Throw to first, runner is back. Griffey swings and misses a high fastball for strike three. However, the Reds score one on a hit, a walk, one left.

Middle 3rd, Reds 1, Cubs 0

[ryno4ever]

Okay boys.... go get your lumber and kiss the wind!

[VanMan]

Theriot drives the first pitch, a hanging curve, to left, but Dunn is able to catch the routine fly.

[ryno4ever]

I feel a home run coming on......

[ryno4ever]

okay, maybe not.

[VanMan]

Lee takes a strike. Slider, 88, misses low and away, 1-1. Fouled at the plate, 1-2. Change up is foul tipped into Ross' mitt for strike three.

[VanMan]

Guys, I have to step away from the TV, because my mom's bugging me to help her do the shopping list.

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/aaaassss222.gif

[ryno4ever]

come on Cliffy!

[ryno4ever]

thank you Mr. Floyd!

[ryno4ever]

Our little angel at work again!

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Bottom of 3rd

Quintero lined a single a left. Albers attempts to advance runner to second with a bunt but bunts to hard back to the pitcher and Gallardo made play at second, Albers is safe at first. Anderson walked. Biggio lined out to 2nd. Berkman strikes out looking.

Brewers - 2
Astros - 0

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

WEEEEEEEEEE NEEEEEEEEDED THAT!!!!

[ryno4ever]

Back to Back Jacks!

[ryno4ever]

Like I said...KISS THE WIND!

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Homeruns are coming in Bunches gotta love it :)

[VanMan]

I guess I missed the fireworks.

[VanMan]

Getting back to speed, Kendall leads off the Cub 4th with a line drive single to right on a 1-2 pitch.

[VanMan]

Hill showed bunt, but pulled the bat back to swing, he takes a fastball up and away, ball one. He shortens, but then slaps one to short, Keppinger throws to Phillips... wait a second! He wasn't even close to the bag at second! Hill reaches as he beats the relay.

[VanMan]

Soriano takes a fastball for a strike, takes a ball low and away, then swings and misses a fastball, 1-2. Fastball up and in, check swing, appeal to first, umpire said he went. Replay shows otherwise.

[VanMan]

Theriot takes a fastball for a strike. He shoots a foul line drive to the seats near right field, 0-2. Change up is swung and missed, strike three.

No runs, a hit, one left.

End 4th, Cubs 3, Reds 1

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Top of 4th

Fielder lines single to left field. Hart singles, Fielder scores on throwing error by Pence and Hart advanced to third. Gabe Gross doubled to right field, Hart scored. Gross then advanced to 3rd on wild pitch by Albers. Estrada flies out to center, Gross scores on the sacrifice. Hardy singled to center. Albers is then pulled and replaced by Borkowski. Gallardo popped out to 2nd. Weeks grounded out to the pitcher for the last out.

Brewers - 5
Astros - 0

[VanMan]

It seems the Cubs couldn't get a call go their way in this inning. I could probably see the appeal, because it was close to a swing, but Phillips was no where near the second-base bag on that grounder by Hill. Just once, I'd like to see a second-base umpire not call the "neighborhood play."

[VanMan]

Arroyo takes a pitch low and in, ball one. He swings and misses a fastball away, 1-1. Fastball, 88, misses inside, ball two. He pulls one foul to left, 2-2. Curve, 71, misses high, full count. Arroyo rips a fastball to left field for a single, Soriano cuts it off before it gets to the corner.

[VanMan]

Hopper bunts the first pitch foul to the right, 0-1. Fastball, 90, misses up and away, 1-1. Bunt to the right side, between Lee and DeRosa, DeRosa charges and fields it, tries to flip it to Lee, but no! Single and an error, that allows Arroyo to advance to third.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Bottom of 4th

Lee grounded out to 2nd. Pence flied out to right. Lorretta lined out to center. Houston can't get anything going with the bats tonight.

Brewers - 5
Astros - 0

[VanMan]

Keppinger flies one to deep left-center, Soriano plays it off the vines, Arroyo scores, Hopper advances just to second as Keppinger is held to a long single.

[VanMan]

Griffey takes a curve in the dirt, ball one. Fastball low, ball two. Griffey is 0 for his last 11 with RISP. Wuertz gets up to warm up. Fly ball to left-center, Soriano is there for the first out, everyone holds.

[VanMan]

Phillips fouls the first fastball, 0-1. Curve looked good, but called ball one. Curve finds the zone for strike two. Hill twirls and bluffs Hopper back to second. Fastball is fouled off to the right. Another fastball, another foul ball. Cruve is grounded to the third-base coaches' box, Mark Berry picks it up and throws it into the crowd behind the Cub dugout. Grounder past Theriot into left, Soriano picks it up and tries to throw out Hopper at the plate, it's off line, 3-3. Keppinger advances to third on the single by Phillips.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Top of 5th

Dillon grounds out to 3rd. Braun then gets hit by pitch. Fielder grounds to Biggio and he gets the out at 2nd, Fielder is safe at 1st. Hart strikes out swinging.

Brewers - 5
Astros - 0

[VanMan]

Dunn takes a fastball low. Hill throws to Lee to keep Phillips close at first. Dunn swings and misses a fastball inside, 1-1. Curve is swung and missed, 1-2. Broken bat, grounder to DeRosa, over to Theriot for one, to Lee, not in time! Lee is incensed! Keppinger scores to allow the Reds to take the lead, 4-3. Lou is out to argue and then pull Hill.

[Drockvb]

CRAAAAAAAP!!!

[VanMan]

This is one of those games you have to outslug or otherwise outscore the Reds.

[VanMan]

Encarnacion fouls off the first pitch from Wuertz. Grounder through the hole, Dunn advances to second on the Encarnacion single.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Bottom of 5th

Wiggington lines single to left. Quintero grounds to third ending in an around the horn double play. Cody Ransom then pinch hits for the pitcher Borkowski. Ransom walks on four straight balls. Anderson reaches on an infield single to third. Biggio grounds out to short to end the inning.

Brewers - 5
Astros - 0

[VanMan]

Cantu takes a fastball for a strike. Slider is swung and missed, Kendall blocks it, 0-2. Slider in the dirt, blocked by Kendall, 1-2. Grounder, foul off the hands. Ross is on deck. Fastball, 94, misses too high, 2-2. Slider in the dirt, blocked by Kendall, full count, runners will travel on the next pitch. Slider is swung and missed to end the inning.

However, the damage has been done. Three runs on five hits, two left.

Middle 5th, Reds 4, Cubs 3

[VanMan]

Lee swings and misses an off-speed pitch, 0-1. Fastball catches the outside corner, 0-2. High off-speed pitch misses, ball one. Fastball, 91, misses the outside corner, 2-2. Slider misses low and away, full count. Kevin Hart is warming up in the Cubs pen. Side-arm pitch fouled back. Lee calls time. Slider misses inside, ball four.

[VanMan]

Ramirez takes a slider on the knees, strike one. Arroyo keeps Lee close at first. Fly ball to deep center, Hopper at the wall, he leaps and makes the catch in the ivy! Lee scurries back to first!

[ryno4ever]

We need something to break this bad Cubby Carma!

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/aaaassss222.gif

[ryno4ever]

Un believable!

[VanMan]

Floyd takes a fastball away, ball one. He homered last time up, and he pops one to Phillips this time.

[ryno4ever]

grrrrrr................. 2 bad calls.....now a homer robbed!

[VanMan]

DeRosa waits as Arroyo throws to Cantu. Grounder through the hole, he's 3-for-3. Lee goes to second with two out.

[ARamfan]

Hi Guys!

POOR Rammy! :mad:

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Top of 6th

Stephen Randolph repleaces Borkowski on the mound. Gross strikes out swinging for the first out of the inning. Estrada flied out to right for the second out. Hardy lined a single to center. Gallardo strikes out swinging.

Brewers - 5
Astros - 0

[VanMan]

Jones takes a back-door slider inside, ball one. Curve misses inside, 2-0. Curve, fouled off, 2-1. Shot into right for a base hit, Lee is sent home to score, 4-4. Throw from Griffey to third... hits DeRosa in the back of the leg.

[VanMan]

Hey Mara!

[VanMan]

Kendall takes a pitch low and away, ball one. Curve is over for strike one. Todd Coffey is up for the Reds. Curve misses away, 2-1. Pop up, Phillips calling for it, but the Cubs tie the game with one run on three hits, two left on base.

End 5th, Cubs 4, Reds 4

Len compared this game so far to the Test Track ride at Disneyland.

[VanMan]

Hey, I just checked the linescore on Gameday, and it looks like the Cubs and Reds did the opposite in third and fifth innings. Reds score one, Cubs score three. Then the Reds score three, and the Cubs score one. Let's hope the bullpen can keep things up the rest of the way.

[ARamfan]

I missed part of this game, but went through your PBP, and it's definitely been an interesting one so far. :rolleyes: At least it's tied.

[VanMan]

Ross leads off the sixth inning against Wuertz. He takes a slider low, ball one. Both bullpens quiet now. Fastball called strike one. Swing and a miss on a slider, 1-2. Chopper to Ramirez, but it's foul. Tapper up the third-base line, foul, picked up by Kendall. Slider misses low and away, 2-2. Grounder to Theriot, over to Lee to get the first out.

[VanMan]

I missed part of this game, but went through your PBP, and it's definitely been an interesting one so far. :rolleyes: At least it's tied.
Yeah. Unfortunately, I missed the Cubs' outburst.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Bottom of 6th

Berkman leads off the inning with a ground ball through the hole into right field. Lee flies out ot left. Pence strikes out swinging for the second out. Loretta singles up the middle, Berkman advanced to 2nd. Wiggington pops out to 3rd to end the inning.

Brewers - 5
Astros - 0

[VanMan]

Arroyo takes a ball up. Fastball misses, 2-0. Arroyo checks his swing and flares one to right, it falls for a hit.

[VanMan]

Hopper takes a slider for strike one. Grounder to Theriot, flip to DeRosa for one, relay to Lee is not in time. DeRosa had his momentum to third, and Hopper is speedy.

[VanMan]

Keppinger takes a fastball up and in. Scott Eyre is warming up. Wuertz keeps Hopper close. Another move to first. Eyre probably is getting ready to face Griffey and Dunn. Off-speed pitch is over for strike one, 1-1. Hopper goes, liner to center, Jones cannot make the catch, it gets away from him, they send Hopper, possible play at the plate, throw is off line, Reds retake the lead, 5-4, on an RBI double from Keppinger.

[Drockvb]

I am sooo freakin' mad right now, i can't stand it.

[VanMan]

Lou is going to make a double-switch. Eyre will be coming in to pitch and bat eighth and Geovany Soto will strap on the gear to catch and bat ninth.

[VanMan]

In the NFL, Philadelphia leads Washington, 6-3, but the Redskins are on the 1 yard line with 14 seconds left in the first half.

[Drockvb]

HAIL SKINS!! :D

[VanMan]

Griffey will face Eyre and the shift. A slider is low, ball one. Another misses, 2-0. Fastball is over for strike one. Grounder through the shift, base hit, Keppinger scores to make it 6-4.

[Drockvb]

UGH!!! The cubs are giving me an ulcer.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Top of 7th

Weeks strikes out swinging for the first out. Dillon then walks. Braun strikes out swinging for the second out of the inning. Fielder Strikes out swinging. Stretch time in Houston, get your rally caps Houston has looked terrible with the bats tonight.

Brewers - 5
Astros - 0

[VanMan]

Phillips takes a fastball for strike one. Hart back up in the Cubs pen. Grounder kicks off Ramirez's glove into left field for a hit, Griffey was jogging to second, so he stops there.

[VanMan]

Dunn, with the shift on again, takes a pitch low. He fouls off a fastball, 1-1. Fastball, 92, misses inside, 2-1. Chopped off the plate foul, 2-2. Eyre wants a different baseball. Grounder to Theriot on the first-base side of second, he throws to Lee to get Dunn, but the Reds add two runs on four hits, two left on base.

Middle 6th, Reds 6, Cubs 4

[VanMan]

Redskins scored a touchdown prior to the half to take a 10-6 lead over the Eagles.

[ARamfan]

UGH!!! The cubs are giving me an ulcer.

Yeah, that last inning was a little scary. :eek:

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Bottom of 7th

Quintero flies out to left for first out in the inning. Palmeiro hits for the pitcher Randolph, Palmeiro flies out to right for the second out. Anderson caught looking for the final out.

Brewers - 5
Astros - 0

[VanMan]

Soto takes a slider low and away, ball one. A curve makes it over the zone for strike one. He roles one to third, Encarnacion throws wide of first, Cantu makes the tag.

[VanMan]

Soriano takes a slider away. The Reds are playing the rest of this game under protest because of the way Lou made the double switch. Soriano, on a 2-0 pitch, drops one just inside the foul line for a one-out double.

[VanMan]

Theriot waits as Pete McCannon pulls Arroyo.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Top of 8th

Mark McLemore takes over on the mound. Hart pops out to Berkman for out number 1. Jenkins takes strike three for the second out. Estrada pops out to biggio for the third out.

Brewers - 5
Astros - 0

[VanMan]

Theriot drives the first pitch from Majewski to Keppinger, he throws to Encarnacion to cut down Soriano. Theriot reaches on the fielder's choice.

[Drockvb]

Soriano is killing us tonight. Grrrrrrr!

[VanMan]

Lee takes a strike. Slider misses low and away, 1-1. Pop fly to right, wind pushes the ball to Griffey for the third out. No runs, a hit, one left.

End 6th, Reds 6, Cubs 4

[Drockvb]

I don't Know about you guys, but i got one of those bad feelings about tonight's outcome.

I know it may be silly, because we are still in this game, but it looks like "one of those games".

[ARamfan]

Top of 8th

Mark McLemore takes over on the mound. Hart pops out to Berkman for out number 1. Jenkins takes strike three for the second out. Estrada pops out to biggio for the third out.

Brewers - 5
Astros - 0

Thanks for the scoreboard watching, Sheff. Too bad about the score though.

[VanMan]

Kevin Hart gets Encarnacion to pop the first pitch into the crowd behind the screen, 0-1. Slider misses low and away, 1-1. Another slider, low and away, 2-1. Pop fly to shallow left, Theriot tried to make the play, but couldn't, score that a single!

[ARamfan]

I don't Know about you guys, but i got one of those bad feelings about tonight's outcome.

I know it may be silly, because we are still in this game, but it looks like "one of those games".

I know what you mean. A lot of things haven't gone our way. We are still in it though.

[Drockvb]

Booo birds coming out now. I guess it's time to watch my Skins, halftime is about over.

LOL

[VanMan]

Joey Vatto pinch hits for Cantu, and he swings and misses the first pitch. Sinker, 91, is low, 1-1. Slider misses low, 2-1. Fouled off a 91 mph fastball, 2-2. Slider misses low and in, 3-2. Move to first, Encarnacion back. The Reds have the worst bullpen ERA in the NL. Slider, check swing, appeal to third, Chuck Merriweather said he went. One down.

[VanMan]

Ross takes a curve for strike one. Buck Coats is on deck, former Cub. Bouncer to Theriot, flip to DeRosa for one, over to Lee for the double play. No runs, a hit, none left. Time to sing with Ronnie!

Middle 7th, Reds 6, Cubs 4

[VanMan]

Ramirez, Floyd and DeRosa are due up for the Cubs in the 7th.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Bottom of 8th

Biggio Strikes out swinging. Berkman earns himself a 1 out walk. Lee singles to left, Berkman advanced to 3rd. After a coaching visit to the mound Pence strikes out swinging. Loretta grounds out to 2nd to make the final out in the inning

Brewers - 5
Astros - 0

[VanMan]

Ramirez fouls off the first pitch. Votto stays in to play first. Slider misses away, 1-1. Grounder up the middle for a base hit.

[VanMan]

MacKanin to go to the bullpen to bring in Mike Stanton to face Floyd.

[VanMan]

Stanton has given up a .318 batting average, .325 against lefties, but Craig Monroe will pinch hit for Floyd. Monroe calls time. Curveball is fouled off Monroe's front foot, 0-1. Another curve, misses low, 1-1. Curve misses low and away, 2-1. Kerry Wood is up in the Cub pen. Grounder to Encarnacion, they go around the horn, 5-4-3.

[VanMan]

DeRosa takes a fastball off the plate, ball one. Blopper to right, it falls for DeRosa's fourth hit today, 4-for-4.

[VanMan]

Jones next after Dick Poole visits with Stanton. Jones fouls the first pitch off down the first base area, 0-1. Murton on deck to pinch hit. Grounder to Keppinger, flip to Phillips to force DeRosa and end the inning. No runs, two hits, one left.

End 7th, Reds 6, Cubs 4

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Top of 9th

Hardy leads of the inning and strikes out swinging. Kevin Mench pinch hits for Gallardo and hits a solo homer to extend the lead for Milwaukee. Weeks flied out to center for out number 2. Counsell grounds out to shortstop for the last out. Last chance for houston.

Brewers - 6
Astros - 0

[VanMan]

Monroe stays in to play right. Buck Coats pinch hits for Stanton. Hart throws a curve that misses low and in, ball one. Will Ohman up in the pen. Slider over for strike one. Swing and a miss on a slider inside, 1-2. Slider misses inside, 2-2. Foul off to the left. Chopper foul toward the Cub dugout. Fastball up and in, full count. Chopper in front of the plate, Soto fields and throws to Lee to get his former I-Cub teammate.

[VanMan]

Hopper slaps one foul on a high fastball, 0-1. High fastball again fouled off, 0-2. Cutter misses inside, 1-2. Slider misses low and away, 2-2. Chopper off the first-base bag, Lee able to make the play, two gone.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Bottom of 9th

Chris Spurling takes over on the mound for Milwaukee. Wiggington strikes out swinging for the first out. J. Towles pops out to second for the second out of the inning. Luke Scott on to pinch hit for McLemore. Scott Strikes out swinging to end the game.

Final score in Houston

Brewers 6 runs on 7 hits and 0 errors
Houston 0 runs on 7 hits and 2 errors

[VanMan]

Keppinger swings and misses, strike one. Cutter, 92, misses low and away. Curve is over for called strike two. Golfed to right, Monroe chases after it, he slides behind the Reds bullpen mound, it lands foul and not in Monroe's glove, Keppinger gets another life. Cutter, 94, misses low and away, 2-2. Roller to Theriot, throw to Lee, he stretches, he's able to keep a cleat on the pillow to retire Keppinger. A 1-2-3 inning.

Middle 8th, Reds 6, Cubs 4

Due up, pinch hitter, Soto and Soriano

[VanMan]

Now we need to win this one to stay in the lead.

[ARamfan]

Now we need to win this one to stay in the lead.

We REALLLLY do!

[VanMan]

Reds bring in Jared Burton in relief, and he'll face Mike Fontenot. He takes a fastball for a strike. Next pitch misses away, 1-1. Fontenot shanks one foul, 1-2. Fastball, 95, misses low and away, 2-2. Bouncer to Votto, flip to Burton for the first out.

[VanMan]

Soto takes a slider away, ball one. Sinker misses low and away, ball two. Fastball over for strike one. Soto lifts one to left-center, Hopper is there to catch it.

[ryno4ever]

Soriano is killing us tonight. Grrrrrrr!

On The Steve Stone Show today, he said that Soriano had very little, if any, baseball smarts. He referenced back to a time last week when he struck out, the catcher let the ball get away, and Soriano didn't run to first. Tonight's baserunning blunder tonight kinda makes me see his point.

Where is the clutch hitting?

[VanMan]

Soriano slaps one foul, 0-1. He lifts one to left, Dunn is there to make the catch for the 1-2-3 inning.

End 8th, Reds 6, Cubs 4

[ryno4ever]

Horrible. Terrible. Awful....

[VanMan]

On The Steve Stone Show today, he said that Soriano had very little, if any, baseball smarts. He referenced back to a time last week when he struck out, the catcher let the ball get away, and Soriano didn't run to first. Tonight's baserunning blunder tonight kinda makes me see his point.

Where is the clutch hitting?
Good question. Bob mentioned that the Cubs are getting into a pattern that they score a bunch early, look like they're going to blow it wide open, but then shut it down or get shut down late.

[VanMan]

Will Ohman comes in to face Griffey. Griffey takes a slider for strike one. Fly ball to center, Jones is there for the first out.

[ARamfan]

Ugh, it's Oh-man! :eek:

[VanMan]

Phillips fouls the first pitch out of play. Change up is swung and missed, 0-2. Fastball, 89, upstairs, 1-2. Grounder to Theriot, over to Lee for the second out.

[Drockvb]

Tonight's baserunning blunder tonight kinda makes me see his point.

Where is the clutch hitting?

He also threw to homeplate when he should have went in to the cutoff man. Also he should have caught that lazy pop-up Theriot couldn't get.

And he is gimpy. When he was pulling into second base it was all too evident. Why Lou feels a gimpy legged soriano is our best option at leadoff is beyond me.

[VanMan]

Ugh, it's Oh-man! :eek:
Well, he's done OK so far.

[VanMan]

Dunn swings and misses, strike one. He's 1-for-11 vs. Ohman. Another hearty cut at an off-speed pitch, 0-2. Dunn looks foolish as he strikes out swinging. A 1-2-3 inning for Ohman. Theriot, Lee and Ramirez are due against David Weathers in the bottom of the 9th.

Middle 9th, Reds 6, Cubs 4

[ARamfan]

Ugh, it's Oh-man! :eek:

Okay, gotta eat my words on that one! :D

[VanMan]

Jason Ellison comes in to play left field in place of Dunn.

Theriot takes a slider low and away, ball one. High fastball, ball two. Cincy has 26 blown saves. Fastball over for strike one, Theriot taking all the way. Off-speed high, 3-1. Lee is next. Fastball, 87, is over to fill the count. Theriot fouls the payoff pitch to the right side. A low fastball/sinker is fouled off. Rally caps all over Wrigley. Fastball up and in, walked Theriot. Tying run to the plate now.

[VanMan]

Lee shoots a liner to right, only his second hit vs. Weathers. Theriot to second, and Ramirez will be the winning run.

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/aaaassss222.gif


I know Cliffy is out...but we really need ANY angels that can help us now!

[ryno4ever]

please, please, please, please, please, please!

[Drockvb]

WOOT WOOT

[ryno4ever]

OH BABY!

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/aaaassss222.gif

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/aaaassss222.gif

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/aaaassss222.gif

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/aaaassss222.gif

[Drockvb]

ok, who said their prayers last night?

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

WHY DO THEY WANT TO GIVE US A HEART ATTACK?

[VanMan]

On a 1-2 pitch, and as my browser crashes, Ramirez lines a triple past the outstretched arms of Hopper. Theriot scores, Lee scores. Fuld now is pinch running for Ramirez, and the Reds intentionally walk Ward, with Pie now pinch running for him.

[ARamfan]

OH BABY!

OH BABY IS RIGHT!!! I CAN'T BREATHE!!! HE DID IT AGAIN!! :D

[Drockvb]

Hopper just missed that catch.


:eek:

[ryno4ever]

PLEASE DON'T LEAVE THAT MAN ON THIRD!

[ryno4ever]

I AM GONNA CRY!

[Drockvb]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH


WOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

[VanMan]

Hopper is pulled in to be a fifth infielder. DeRosa takes a strike. Fastball inside, 1-1. We just need something in the outfield. Slider away, 2-1. Anything in the outfield will win this one. Up the middle, off Weathers! CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN! THEY'RE GOING CRAZY IN WRIGLEY!!!!

Final score, Cubs 7, Reds 6

[ryno4ever]

DE RO IS THE MAN TONIGHT! 5 FOR 5!

[VanMan]

Sing it with me folks!

Go Cubs Go!
Go Cubs Go!
Hey Chicago, whatdoya say?
Cubs are gonna win today!

[Drockvb]

Incredible!! :D

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

WOW JUST WOW!!!!

[VanMan]

Heather, DO NOT make a poll for the FogPOG! DeRosa gets it by default!

[VanMan]

DeRosa is 10 for his last 10 vs. the Reds!

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Heather, DO NOT make a poll for the FogPOG! DeRosa gets it by default!

I agree and I am speechless.

[Drockvb]

Milwaukee is scratching thier heads right now.

[ryno4ever]

HUGE WIN! THE CARDIAC CUBS DO IT AGAIN!

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Milwaukee is scratching thier heads right now.

So is David Weathers and the Reds :D

[VanMan]

If I were a Brewer fan, I'd have to be wondering what is going on. They might wonder if the Cubs are Lazerus reincarnated.

[Drockvb]

Enjoy it everyone, that was an instant classic. If we make the post season by 1 game, this is the game we might look back to and say "WOW".

Gotta watch my skins now. :cool:

[ryno4ever]

Milwaukee is scratching thier heads right now.

I think I just heard Brewer Nation say "oh sh*t" in unison....as hundreds of thousands of people jumped up off their seats....raised their hands above their heads and screamed "YYYYYEEEEEEEESSSSSSS!!!! at the top of their lungs!

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

This team always rallies behind Theriot. I felt good about it when Theriot led off the inning with a walk. Great Win!!!

[VanMan]

SportsNite is going to have a special report on Harry Caray. I wonder if he, Jack Brickhouse and Cornelius Floyd are influencing what's going on tonight.

[VanMan]

Weathers takes the loss. He allowed three runs, all earned, three hits, two walks, one intentional, in ZERO INNINGS PITCHED!

[ARamfan]

SportsNite is going to have a special report on Harry Caray. I wonder if he, Jack Brickhouse and Cornelius Floyd are influencing what's going on tonight.

I bet they are! ;)

[ryno4ever]

This is not only a http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Cubs%20Win/wins/0w.gif, but this is going to do a wonder for their confidence and momentum!

[Drew]

Fox Sports Ohio is saying the game is under protest. They're saying Lou didn't notify the umpire before crossing the third base line while making a double switch in the sixth.

[ARamfan]

WOW JUST WOW!!!!

That's all I can say too. I think I'm in shock! A happy shock! :D

[Drockvb]

I wonder if the crowd's excitement in the 9th pushed them over the top, or even made Weathers have a little anxiety.

[VanMan]

Fox Sports Ohio is saying the game is under protest. They're saying Lou didn't notify the umpire before crossing the third base line while making a double switch in the sixth.
The Reds think Lou should have gone straight to the umpire before crossing the foul line, but the rule simply states that the manager must go to the umpire before declaring substitutes. It doesn't say whether the manager must go to the umpire before crossing the foul line.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Fox Sports Ohio is saying the game is under protest. They're saying Lou didn't notify the umpire before crossing the third base line while making a double switch in the sixth.

Yes I listened to Pat and Ron and they said something about it and Lou just said that there is nothing to the protest because the umpires were properly notified of the double switch.

[ARamfan]

HUGE WIN! THE CARDIAC CUBS DO IT AGAIN!

Heather, if this one didn't stop you're heart, I think you're gonna make it! That pretty much goes for all of us. I'm a little worried about Sweet Lou though.

[VanMan]

I wonder if the crowd's excitement in the 9th pushed them over the top, or even made Weathers have a little anxiety.
You'd have to think the home crowd did something. I mean, Weathers didn't even get
A SINGLE OUT.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

These 2 come from behind wins in the 9th reminds me of the 2 games we lost to the Mets earlier this year, Very Very similar. Its scary.

[VanMan]

Well, folks, tomorrow, it'll be Zambrano vs. Harang. Let's hope that Z can keep the Reds off the scoreboard entirely, because Harang is tough.

[ARamfan]

You'd have to think the home crowd did something. I mean, Weathers didn't even get
A SINGLE OUT.

Len and Bob said it was the loudest it's been all season! It had to affect them.

[VanMan]

DeRosa said he was looking for something elevated to put into the outfield. Talk about getting a fortunate bounce. That ball went off Weathers' glove, and the second baseman just couldn't field it cleanly. But, hey, we'll take them as we get them.

[VanMan]

Len and Bob said it was the loudest it's been all season! It had to affect them.
Even louder than the game against Colorado earlier when there was a blown save in the top of the ninth, but the Cubs came back to win it in the bottom half?

[ARamfan]

Even louder than the game against Colorado earlier when there was a blown save in the top of the ninth, but the Cubs came back to win it in the bottom half?

I think so. That's what they were saying.

[VanMan]

I still can't believe the night DeRosa had. Five-for-freaking-five with a homer and the GW RBI.

[Drew]

Thanks for the update on the game being under protest. I'm stuck with crappy Fox Sports Ohio here. The Reds announcers even admitted the chance of a replay was slim because the substitution has to directly benefit the Cubs, and the next batter (Griffey) singled in a run.

[VanMan]

I think so. That's what they were saying.
Maybe they were really loud because the fans knew that we needed to win this game because Milwaukee won. Just think how loud it would've been if the Cubs would've pulled through in Game 6 of the '03 NLCS. I mean, there were people in half of Waveland and Sheffield avenues just to be there for the atmosphere (and maybe to get a Sammy Sosa home run ball).

[ARamfan]

Even louder than the game against Colorado earlier when there was a blown save in the top of the ninth, but the Cubs came back to win it in the bottom half?

Just think of the timing, Eric. It's September 17th, we're in 1st (but the Brew Crew won tonight) and this game really wasn't going our way. I think to comeback in the 9th like that, just blew everybody away! :D

[VanMan]

Cubs now 79-72, Brewers are 77-72 (-1), Cards are 70-79 (-8), Reds are 68-82 (-10.5).

[ARamfan]

I still can't believe the night DeRosa had. Five-for-freaking-five with a homer and the GW RBI.

It was definitely his night! And what timing!

BTW, I hope Heather is okay. This might have been too much for her! :D

[VanMan]

Elimination numbers:
Cubs (Leader)
Brewers 12
Cardinals 5
Reds 2

We just need to win tomorrow or Wednesday to officially eliminate the Reds.

[VanMan]

It was definitely his night! And what timing!

BTW, I hope Heather is okay. This might have been too much for her! :D
Heck, I'd hate to be her co-workers at her Pizza Hut tomorrow. Neal (a shift manager), Tony, Nate and I are all big Cub fans, and our RGM Andy is a part-time fan (also roots for Seattle). We all celebrate the big wins and lament over the losses.

[ARamfan]

Heck, I'd hate to be her co-workers at her Pizza Hut tomorrow. Neal (a shift manager), Tony, Nate and I are all big Cub fans, and our RGM Andy is a part-time fan (also roots for Seattle). We all celebrate the big wins and lament over the losses.

Actually it's better for her co-workers that they WON. A loss at this point would have made her pretty grouchy. I think like me, she'll be glowing all day and looking forward to destroying the Reds again tomorrow. Even if it IS in the 9th inning! :D

[ryno4ever]

Heather, if this one didn't stop you're heart, I think you're gonna make it! That pretty much goes for all of us. I'm a little worried about Sweet Lou though.

I wasn't sure if I was gonna make it! I was trying to edit the pictures I took for that wedding on Saturday to try to keep distracted....and then when everything was happening in the 9th...my heart kept speeding up....and then BAM! WE WIN AND MY HEART FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO JUMP OUT OF MY CHEST!

[ryno4ever]

I really hope this makes believers out of all of the fence riders!

[ARamfan]

I wasn't sure if I was gonna make it! I was trying to edit the pictures I took for that wedding on Saturday to try to keep distracted....and then when everything was happening in the 9th...my heart kept speeding up....and then BAM! WE WIN AND MY HEART FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO JUMP OUT OF MY CHEST!

Mine too. I have a pulsating headache now because I got myself so worked up! I'm so happy, I don't know HOW to react. I thought this one was in the dumper.

[VanMan]

SportsNite is showing the highlights now. They mentioned Hopper robbed Ramirez earlier in the game, but couldn't do it again. You think that's karma on that one?

[VanMan]

I wasn't sure if I was gonna make it! I was trying to edit the pictures I took for that wedding on Saturday to try to keep distracted....and then when everything was happening in the 9th...my heart kept speeding up....and then BAM! WE WIN AND MY HEART FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO JUMP OUT OF MY CHEST!

Mine too. I have a pulsating headache now because I got myself so worked up! I'm so happy, I don't know HOW to react. I thought this one was in the dumper.
Heck, the only thing with me is I'm perspiring quite a bit. The underarms of my T-shirt are drenched right now.

[ryno4ever]

Actually it's better for her co-workers that they WON. A loss at this point would have made her pretty grouchy. I think like me, she'll be glowing all day and looking forward to destroying the Reds again tomorrow. Even if it IS in the 9th inning! :D

One of my new drivers was laughing at me on Sunday because I had a radio simulcasted to WGN everywhere in the back of the restaurant..... so no matter where I went, I didn't miss a minute of the game! I have actually made Cub fans out of some of them!

But you are right.... my mood anymore depends on the games! I think that is why my boss stays so negative, then he won't be disappointed if they break our hearts again...but I am going to ride this roller coaster for all it's worth! This is absolutely beautiful! We don't get a chance to experience a pennant race...and THIS is one to the extreme!

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Heck, the only thing with me is I'm perspiring quite a bit. The underarms of my T-shirt are drenched right now.

My hair is still standing straight up on my arms. I have to be up early in the morning and its gonna be another night of short sleep from the excitement, but I really don't mind. Its for a Cubs victory so I can't complain at all.

[VanMan]

My hair is still standing straight up on my arms. I have to be up early in the morning and its gonna be another night of short sleep from the excitement, but I really don't mind. Its for a Cubs victory so I can't complain at all.
Good thing I have Tuesdays off. Of course, I do have to get up to hit the gym in the morning, then take Mom to Wal-Mart.

[ryno4ever]

SportsNite is showing the highlights now. They mentioned Hopper robbed Ramirez earlier in the game, but couldn't do it again. You think that's karma on that one?

It was either karma...or a way to teach the non-believers a message.... the ones who turn off the game early because they are down. The ones who gave up and turned it off, didn't get to feel that wonderful euphoria as "Go Cubs Go" started blaring over the loudspeakers at Wrigley, and the team jumped around by second base like a bunch of children, and the Wrigley crowd coming close to bringing the building down....I wanna know how many people will get up in the morning, turn on the highlights or look at the newspaper, and kick themselves for giving up on a hell of a game.

[VanMan]

It was either karma...or a way to teach the non-believers a message.... the ones who turn off the game early because they are down. The ones who gave up and turned it off, didn't get to feel that wonderful euphoria as "Go Cubs Go" started blaring over the loudspeakers at Wrigley, and the team jumped around by second base like a bunch of children, and the Wrigley crowd coming close to bringing the building down....I wanna know how many people will get up in the morning, turn on the highlights or look at the newspaper, and kick themselves for giving up on a hell of a game.
One way or another, Heather, is that you can't give up on this year's team. My dad is an occasional doubter of this squad, only because, "It's the Cubs." Of course, he's going on historical references, i.e. the collapse of 1969, the 1984 NLCS, Bartman, etc.

[VanMan]

SportsNite was going to lead with Lovie telling the press today that Rex's turnover problems is going to have to stop and soon, but they had to switch it around after the ninth-inning cardiac Cubbie comeback.

[cubbie_kern]

I am so mad at myself! I fell asleep in the 8th and missed everything! I woke up at 2am saw the highlights and started cussing and cheering at the same time and my woke and told me i was an idiot.