9/22 PIT @ CHC, 12:05 p.m.; TV: WGN; Radio: WGN

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/pirates/CUBSPEEONPIRATES.jpg

:)

[ryno4ever]

The Cubs remain alone in first in the National League Central with eight games left, but manager Lou Piniella is making sure to take the rest of the season one game at a time.
"You can't hurry this thing," Piniella said. "You can't look eight games ahead, six games ahead. You look to today, and tomorrow you look to tomorrow, and you play as well as you can and try to win a baseball game."

That is what Rich Hill will try to do Saturday for the Cubs in Game 2 of a three-game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Hill gave up six runs on nine hits over six innings in the Cubs' 6-1 loss to the Pirates on Sept. 7, but despite his struggles in that game, the lefty is not looking to alter his approach this time around.

"I'm not going to change anything really drastically just because they had a few hits here and there," Hill said. "Go out there and stay aggressive, continue to stay on the attack and make them hit your pitch."

That aggressive mindset has led to positive results for Hill, who leads the Cubs, and is fifth in the National League, with 175 strikeouts. Although the Pirates are last in the Central, they own a 7-6 record against the Cubs this season, and Hill knows not to take them lightly.

"There's just guys that you've got to watch for," Hill said of the Pirates' lineup. "You don't want to underestimate anybody. A lot of credit to them, they're swinging the bat really well. This is a different team from what we saw earlier in the year."

The Pirates will turn to Zach Duke, who has been out with elbow tendinitis and will make his first start since June 28. Duke is 3-1 with a 1.42 ERA against the Cubs in Chicago, including his first career complete game in 2005.

"Duke has had great success against the Cubs at Wrigley Field," Pirates manager Jim Tracy said. "When you're trying to get a guy back because you know he has some very special qualities leading forward, you try to pick the very best spots that you can to get him going. So we'll give him a shot here."

Duke is the second of four left-handed starters the Cubs face in a row. Paul Maholm started for Pittsburgh on Friday, and Tom Gorzelanny will face Carlos Zambrano in the series finale Sunday. The Florida Marlins will open their three-game series with Chicago on Tuesday behind Dontrelle Willis. The Cubs are 17-22 against lefties this season, but are 4-1 against them in September, and 7-3 against southpaws since Aug. 16.

Although he is taking a day-by-day approach to the rest of the season, Piniella said there is no secret on what the Cubs need to do to reach the playoffs.

"You've got to win baseball games, and if you win enough of them, you're in," Piniella said. "Sooner or later you win enough to [make the postseason], and that's the end of it. And if you don't, that's the end of it, too."


Pitching matchup
CHC: LHP Rich Hill (9-8, 4.01 ERA)
Hill did not get a decision in his last start, against the Reds. The lefty gave up four runs on seven hits and one walk over 4 2/3 innings, striking out seven. He sort of fell apart in the fifth -- and Piniella felt he'd lost some of his velocity. Hill said he just wasn't executing. The Cubs need the lefty down the stretch. He's 0-1 against the Pirates this year.

PIT: LHP Zach Duke (3-7, 5.70 ERA)
Duke threw three innings of relief on Saturday, against the Astros in Houston, allowing one run on three hits. John Van Benschoten was scheduled to make this start, but the Pirates wanted to see what Duke could do before the end of the season. He gave up two runs on eight hits over 6 2/3 innings on April 30, and he did not get a decision in his only start against the Cubs this season.

Player to watch
Matt Murton is hitting .450 (9-for-20) with one home run, two doubles and three RBIs against Duke.

[ryno4ever]

It has been almost three months since Zach Duke started a Major League game, but he'll be back on the mound for the Pirates on Saturday.
Duke will start Game 2 of a three-game series against the National League Central Division-leading Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, as he looks to contine the success he's had over the years at the Friendly Confines. Duke is 3-1 with a 1.42 ERA against the Cubs in Chicago, including his first career complete game in 2005.

"Duke has had great success against the Cubs at Wrigley Field," manager Jim Tracy said. "When you're trying to get a guy back because you know he has some very special qualities leading forward, you try to pick the very best spots that you can to get him going. So we'll give him a shot here."

Duke has been sidelined since June with elbow tendinitis. Tracy expects to have the left-hander on a pitch count, but he wasn't sure what the limit would be.

"I would say probably somewhere in the neighborhood of 75 to 90 [pitches], but we'll see how it goes," Tracy said. "You can say 75 to 90, but you'll have to see about the information that the hitters provide to where he may not last that, or depending on how he goes, he may last more. This is obviously a guy who is very much on the radar screen moving forward."


Rich Hill will start for the Cubs, who are 17-22 against lefties this season. Hill lost on Sept. 7 in Pittsburgh after giving up six runs on nine hits over six innings in the Pirates' 6-1 victory.

[ryno4ever]

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

[ryno4ever]

My son has a soccer game, so I may miss the pregame stuff.... so just in case it is needed before it get on.... you guys should know what to do with the angel by now! LOL! (I see he worked his magic yesterday!)

[ryno4ever]

Same lineup for the Cubs as yesterday...facing another leftie!

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/pirates/Pittsburgh_Pirates1.png

MORGAN
BAUTISTA
SANCHEZ
PHELPS
NADY (AKA CUB KILLER)
PAULINO
PEARCE
KATA
DUKE

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

SORIANO
DeROSA
LEE
RAMIREZ
MURTON
SOTO
MONROE
THERIOT
HILL

[ryno4ever]

For the WGN Radio listeners....Santo is out again today with a bad cold (poor, guy.... he was out for the last part of 2003 too---and missed the playoffs), Dave Otto is filling in again.

Brewers play later this afternoon. I love when that happens, because it really puts pressure on them to know the Cubs score before they even start!

Looking at the WebCam...it's gonna be a great crowd again today (not that I doubted it, but it is a sea of blue on the webcam right now!)

[ryno4ever]

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

PLAY BALL! LET'S GO CUBBIES!

[ryno4ever]

Bunted base hit for Morgan on the first pitch of the game.... Hill didnt' get off the mound quick enough and getting it out of his glove to DeeLee. Wow! Morgan is a speedster!

[ryno4ever]

Hill throws over to first, Morgan back in time. Jose Bautista almost hits him on a high and inside pitch. He is 0-11 for his career vs Rich Hill. Another high pitch to bring the count to 2-0. Bautsita swings and misses..... (sorry, I'm not really great at recognizing pitches), as Bautista looks at ball three...and swings, trying to check to bring the count to a full count....

another throw over to first....

66 degrees, wind out of east at 7mph

Morgan runs as Bautista fouls it back behind home plate out of play.

Hill walks Bautista with a very high ball.

2 on no one out....Hill is in trouble already.

[ryno4ever]

Strike one looking to Freddie Sanchez. A spin around pickoff attempt to second, trying to pick Morgan off second, unsuccessful

Sanchez pops out to right, Murton, who throws it in and doubles Morgan off second. Morgan was all the way to third, and a bad throw by Murton, but Theriot picks it out of the dirt

[ryno4ever]

With 2 outs now, Phelps fouls his first pitch off. Swings and misses at a BIG curve for strike 2.... no balls... Soto calls for a high pitch and gets it for ball one trying to get Phelps to chase, chopper to Theriot as he steps on second for the third out! Hill gets out of it!

1 hit, 1 walk, 0 errors, 0 runs


Cubs coming up!

[ryno4ever]

Soriano leads off.... (he hit his first pitch homer in the last two days, bringing it to 42 lead off homers in his career)

Zach Duke gets ready to face Soriano..... here we go

Soriano swings at a big curve ball and misses....

Soriano looks at another curve for a strike....

He fouls one off his hands...and breaks his bat

Soriano looks at ball one that was low and outside

soriano strikes out swinging

One out.

[ryno4ever]

Derosa, who is 10 for 14 on the homestand takes his place in the box

He looks at strike one

He looks at a fast ball away at 90mph

He flies out to center...

It looked like it was going to fall it, but Morgan makes a weird catch for out number 2

[ryno4ever]

Lee looks at ball one, low and away

Lee looks at a strike that caught the outside corner

Lee crushes it out!!!!

HOME RUN!!!!

1-0!!!!!

NUMBER 19 FOR DEE LEE!

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

[ryno4ever]

Murton drives a basehit to right field!

[ryno4ever]

Ram on second, Murton on first, Sotot at the plate.... off the glove to duke, second baseman throws it away... Ram scores, Murton to third, infield single to Soto!

[ryno4ever]

Cubs lead 2-0, and still threatening, as Monroe comes to the plate, while waiting for a meeting at the mound with Duke! Duke has been out for the last few weeks and is on a very strict pitch count today.

He looks at ball one

Fouls off the next pitch for strike one

He looks at strike two that ended up by his feet!

Dukes 1-2 pitch is buried in the dirt....

2-2-2 is the count

Swing and a miss for strike three on a breaking ball

After 1,

Pirates 0, Cubs 2

[ryno4ever]

Hi Mara! This play by play stuff is kinda hard! Eric does a great job at it!

[ryno4ever]

Nady looks at strike on

Swings at misses for strike two

Looks at ball one

Theriot throws out Nady
(Hill is working faster than I can type!)

[ryno4ever]

Paulino looksat ball one,

Swings and misses at a high pitch

Paulino hits a soft liner over Theriot's head

[ARamfan]

Good morning, Heather (well, it's morning here). We're off to a good start. :) How did you like yesterday's game? I'm still recovering! I was supposed to be getting some work done, but ended up watching a very exciting game and answering my phone which rang frequently. Friends calling to see if I saw all of the HRs!

[ryno4ever]

Pearce, RF, steps in and looks at ball one.

Cubs set an attendance record today...all time

Pearce looks at ball two

Third pitch just catches the outside of the plate

Broken bat liner to left field.

2 on 1 out.

[ryno4ever]

Kada looks at strike one.

Big curve for strike two.

High for ball one.

Another floater, drops fair and goes into the bullpen....

Pirates score 2-1. Still one out.

[ryno4ever]

Lefty Duke, who hits .233.... looks at an outside pitch

Fouls the next pitch off.

A ball really outside, blocked by Soto

Pirates are going to take the lead with a 2 run single down the left field baseline.

[ARamfan]

Hi Mara! This play by play stuff is kinda hard! Eric does a great job at it!

He does do a great job. He thinks fast, types fast, answers posts and makes witty comments throughout his PBP!

Looks like things have temporarily headed south! :(

[ryno4ever]

I didn't get to see the game yet, but I listened to it on the radio! What an awesome game!

[ryno4ever]

Pop up by Morgan who reaches into the stands to make the catch for th second out.

[ryno4ever]

Bullpen is up...Trachsel up in the pen

[ryno4ever]

Bautista has a 2-1 count.... strike one on the inside corner of the plate. Strike three on a VERY animated call by the umpire!

[ryno4ever]

Well, for some reason, my keys don't want to keep up with my typing on the keyboard! It keeps skipping some of what I am typing and I have to go back and re-type it all! Grrr....

[ryno4ever]

We need to get this momentum shifted back around here!

[ARamfan]

I'll probably have to miss part of today's game. I have a family b-day party to attend. If it's anything like yesterday's, I'm gonna hate missing it!

[ryno4ever]

They are reshowing Tom Hallion's third strike call! He wretched his back all the way around, as the Cubs have one out with Theriot bouncing out to the pitcher.

[ryno4ever]

Hill gets a 1-2 count built up....a short hop to thirdbaseman Bautista, who throws out Hill at first.

[ryno4ever]

Your family would understand if you are late to the party, right? Birthdays hapen every year! The Cubs aren't in the race every year....

AS SORIANO HITS ONE OUT TO RIGHT TO TIE IT UP!

[ARamfan]

Soriano's HR tear!!!!! I'm glad it's happening in September!!!! :D :cool: :D

[ryno4ever]

Come on DeRo!

He pops to short, but not before they tie it up!

[ryno4ever]

30 homers now!

[ryno4ever]

They are all really clicking at the right time.

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Happy%20times/happy20smiley.gif

[ryno4ever]

Sanchez fouls his first pitch to the right and out of play. Theriot throws him out.

[ryno4ever]

Hill is ahead of Phelps.... 0-2.....

That one turns Phelps away from the plate...

Another high pitch...

Come on Rich....give him the Curve!

Foul tip for strike 3!

[ryno4ever]

WHIIIIFFFFFFFF

[ryno4ever]

Nady has a 0-2 count....GOT NADY! 1-2-3!

[ARamfan]

[QUOTE=ryno4ever;34802]Your family would understand if you are late to the party, right? Birthdays hapen every year! The Cubs aren't in the race every year....

Oh yeah, they understand. They also know to expect me to show up in Cubs attire! My hubby and son are used to this by now (getting take-out during night games, etc.), but I don't think they're ready for me if I am lucky enough to experience the playoffs!

[ryno4ever]

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

[ryno4ever]

[QUOTE=ryno4ever;34802]Your family would understand if you are late to the party, right? Birthdays hapen every year! The Cubs aren't in the race every year....

Oh yeah, they understand. They also know to expect me to show up in Cubs attire! My hubby and son are used to this by now (getting take-out during night games, etc.), but I don't think they're ready for me if I am lucky enough to experience the playoffs!

My friends and co-workers are already worried about me in the post season! I am begging my dad to try to get post season tickets tomorrow morning because I have to work.

[ryno4ever]

I ALMOST drove up to Wrigley today to try to get a ticket to today's game.... I didn't get up in time

[ARamfan]

Well, for some reason, my keys don't want to keep up with my typing on the keyboard! It keeps skipping some of what I am typing and I have to go back and re-type it all! Grrr....

I've been having trouble with my computer sloooowing down. It seems to be at its worst when I'm trying to post on the game thread, or any thread for that matter. :( I have a friend who is going to check it out for me. I'm not patient enough to deal with it.

[ryno4ever]

Come on Dee Lee.... big swing, but bounces it foul.

Nice sound, but foul down the right field line.

Full count on dee lee....nice base hit into right. 2 for 2

[ryno4ever]

RAMMY DRIVES IT OUT!!!!! I LOVE THE POWER!!!!! 100 RBI'S!!!!!!

[ryno4ever]

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

[ryno4ever]

They said that in BP yesterday, Carlos took out a car's windshield with a home run ball hit out of the park....

As Murton strikes out on a few low balls.

[ARamfan]

My boy did it AGAIN! 26 HRs and 100 RBIs now!!! I think he enjoys destroying his former team, BTW Thanks Pittsburgh (For Rammy)! HR was 363' ?

[ryno4ever]

Big swing by Soto.... 1-1-1 count.

Another big swing.... he's trying to hit it out, too!

Just foul into the Pirates bullpen.

The organ is playing "Duke of Earl" as Duke is on the mound! LOL

[ryno4ever]

Soto K's

[ryno4ever]

Come on Craig...time for your first Cubs long ball!

[ryno4ever]

Full count, 2 outs, on Monroe...

Ball 4!!!! SWEET!

[ryno4ever]

Hi AB1077...welcome to the game thread! My name is Heather...and Aramfan is Mara! Glad to have ya here! :)

[ryno4ever]

Nice! Bobbled by Kada! Everyone safe! Theriot gets a single, Monroe to second...ANOTHER 2 OUT RALLY?????

[ryno4ever]

We've seen some nice hits from hill this year....good time for another one now.

[ryno4ever]

Nice eye, Hill....nice eye!

[ryno4ever]

Ouch...the ump just got hit in a place that CAN'T be comfy!

[ryno4ever]

Come on Hill.......right back to Duke for the 3rd out!

[ryno4ever]

I am bound determined that whether I get tickets or not, one of the playoff games, I WILL go to Wrigley, whether I have to stand outside Wrigley....or scalp tickets.

[ryno4ever]

Here's one for ya, Mara!

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

[ryno4ever]

The fan to sing the stretch is Dustin....the guy with bone cancer!

[ryno4ever]

Paulino is out with a pop foul to Lee...one out. Glad to see Hill has settled down.

[ryno4ever]

Another pop up...SOTO MAKES A GREAT CATCH LOOKING INTO THE SUN!

[ryno4ever]

RIGHT UP AGAINST THE BACKSTOP!

[ryno4ever]

2 outs....

Izturis will get playoff shares due to the fact that he was with the team for half the year if we get to the playoffs.

Kada---Izturis' replacement strikes out---for Hill's 8th straight out.

[ryno4ever]

Gosh, I am not ready for baseball season to be over yet! I am not going to know what to do!

I do plan on taking all of the dvd's that I have made this year and make a highlight DVD! I'm hoping to get it done for my dad for Christmas!

[ryno4ever]

Come on Soriano! Give us another homer!

[ryno4ever]

count is full for Soriano...0 outs.... Come on Sori! He gets the leadoff walk!

[ryno4ever]

Cubs Convention, Jan 18-20 at the Hilton in Chicago! $50....November 7th is when they go on sale. Len and Bob will host their second Len and Bob bash the night before at the Chicago House of Blues.

[ryno4ever]

DeeLee is 3 for 3. Dukes pitch count has to be getting close to his limit.

[ryno4ever]

COME ON RAMMY!!!!!! What a play by Sanchez! Bautista had a good play before that. All of a sudden, the Pirates decided to play some defense!

[ryno4ever]

Come on Big Murt! He seems to be more clutch off the bench than when he actually starts.

[ryno4ever]

3-0....I hope he doesn't swing. Let's load the bases....Duke seems to have lost the strike zone.

[ryno4ever]

Bases loaded for Soto! Time for a GRAND SMACKER!

[ryno4ever]

They are showing how close the divisions are! Wow! Torres is up in the Buc's pen.

[ARamfan]

Here's one for ya, Mara!

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

Thanks, I love it! I'm back. Little Bro called from SD all excited about the Padres. He will be going to one game there, should there be one.

[ryno4ever]

Come on Soto! 1-2 count....2 outs.....even a base hit would be HUGE right now... right to sanchez to end the inning and leave em loaded.

[ryno4ever]

Thanks, I love it! I'm back. Little Bro called from SD all excited about the Padres. He will be going to one game there, should there be one.
If it ends up being against the Cubs, he needs to hook you up with a ticket!

[ARamfan]

I am bound determined that whether I get tickets or not, one of the playoff games, I WILL go to Wrigley, whether I have to stand outside Wrigley....or scalp tickets.

I would do the same thing, if I lived close. I've even thought of flying out with a friend and just hanging out down there during one of the games! :cool: What a great time to be there, even if you're dancing in the streets!

[ryno4ever]

I would do the same thing, if I lived close. I've even thought of flying out with a friend and just hanging out down there during one of the games! :cool: What a great time to be there, even if you're dancing in the streets!

That's what I thought, too! I remember in 2003...even the games on the road, there were thousands of fans filling the streets around Wrigley!

[ARamfan]

If it ends up being against the Cubs, he needs to hook you up with a ticket!

That's what I said and he said he just put in a bid for tickets. If he can, he will. No matter what, if they are in the playoffs, it is going to get crazy for me! I've warned my husband I might be at Chase Field, Petco Park or out at a sports bar watching!

[ryno4ever]

I was wondering if they were going to open Wrigley for the games that we could potentially clinch the division....

It would be cool to put a big jumbotron....or broadcast the radio over the PA system and let the fans celebrate clinching the division at Wrigley!

In 2003, they talked about it....but I think they opened the United Center.... and broadcast the Atlanta games and let Cub fans go there. If I remember correctly.

[ryno4ever]

They were talking about the tickets going on sale tomorrow morning... there are only about 10,000 per game actually going to be sold, and if you get lucky enough to get a chance to buy them, you can only purchase 4 and you can only get tickets for one game.

[ARamfan]

That's what I thought, too! I remember in 2003...even the games on the road, there were thousands of fans filling the streets around Wrigley!

Oh yes, I remember well. I was watching and saying to myself, "What am I doing here in Phx, I feel like I'm supposed be there!" :eek:

[ryno4ever]

Hill gets out of it! Still 5-3...we need a bigger cushion.

[ryno4ever]

Mara...have you ever been to Wrigley? I think I have asked you that before, but I can't remember.

[ARamfan]

Cubs Convention, Jan 18-20 at the Hilton in Chicago! $50....November 7th is when they go on sale. Len and Bob will host their second Len and Bob bash the night before at the Chicago House of Blues.

Are you planning on going? It sounds like fun and I really wanted to go last year, until I was seeing the weather reports and reading what you and other fogpoggers were writing about the January temperatures. I'm a desert rat, I don't know if I could take that kind of cold. :eek:

[ryno4ever]

Are you planning on going? It sounds like fun and I really wanted to go last year, until I was seeing the weather reports and reading what you and other fogpoggers were writing about the January temperatures. I'm a desert rat, I don't know if I could take that kind of cold. :eek:

I'd love to, but I don't know. Hotel rooms are really hard to get.... and if the Bears play at home that weekend, near impossible. And yes, the weather can be absolutely horrible. A couple of years ago, I remember Glendon Rusch being late to one of the seminars because his car got stuck on Lakeshore Drive!

[ryno4ever]

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

[ARamfan]

Mara...have you ever been to Wrigley? I think I have asked you that before, but I can't remember.

Unfortunately I haven't. I was supposed to go for my b-day this year back in June (remember, I even had the tickets), but couldn't go because my husband was really sick and in a lot of pain from an injury that we finally found out was a bulging disc and pinched nerve in his neck. So, I had to cancel and was able to sell the tickets on StubHub. :( It is a goal of mine though. THE GOAL!

Oh, here comes Cliffy!

[ryno4ever]

Come on Cliffy!

[ryno4ever]

I can't even put into words what it feels like to be at Wrigley....overwhelming!

[ryno4ever]

oooohhhhhhhhhhh......that ump is going to throw his back out!

[ryno4ever]

Wow! THEhttp://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/players/theriot/riotepileptic.gif steals second!

[ryno4ever]

SORIANOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOO

[ryno4ever]

7-3!!!!!!!! No pressure, Brewers.....none at all! <he he he :)>

[ARamfan]

I knew Sori was going to do it! I have CHILLS! We're seeing THE Home Run Tear! I'll take it in September! :D :cool:

[ryno4ever]

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

[ARamfan]

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

Very appropriate!!

[ARamfan]

7-3!!!!!!!! No pressure, Brewers.....none at all! <he he he :)>

Yeah, no pressure. I hope all of the Brew Crew can see the score and I hope they are cringing, seeing the HRs we've been treated to lately!

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/players/marmol/CJ17.jpg

[ryno4ever]

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

[ARamfan]

MARMOLADE! What a year this guy is having! I'm happy for him. :) And happy for us!

[ryno4ever]

Ouch..... leadoff walk. Come on Marmol! I wanna see the ELECTRIC SLIDER!

[ryno4ever]

Where's his control?

[ryno4ever]

There it is!

[ryno4ever]

The Sori-Hop!

[ryno4ever]

THE MARMOLATOR!

[ryno4ever]

This ump is fun to watch!

[ARamfan]

IMHO, I really think this 11th-hour offensive explosion might just carry us through. I'm hoping other teams have already burned themselves in this department.

[ryno4ever]

Dee Lee is 4 for 4!

[ryno4ever]

IMHO, I really think this 11th-hour offensive explosion might just carry us through. I'm hoping other teams have already burned themselves in this department.

The say that the post season winners are usually not the best team... but teh team the hottest at the time!

[ARamfan]

The say that the post season winners are usually not the best team... but teh team the hottest at the time!

That would be us! LOL :D

[ARamfan]

Top of the 7th

Cubs leading 7-3! Scott Eyre on the mound.

[ryno4ever]

Scott Eyre's new glove has "Stevie Ire" embroidered on it..... that's funny!

[ryno4ever]

Come on Stevie!!!!!

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/7th%20inning%20stretch/note4.gif

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME
TAKE ME OUT TO THE CROWD
BUY ME SOME PEANUTS AND CRACKERJACKS
I DON'T CARE IF I EVER GET BACK
SO IT'S ROOT, ROOT, ROOT FOR THE CUBBIES
IF THEY DON'T WIN IT'S A SHAME
FOR IT'S
1
2
3 STRIKES YOU'RE OUT
AT THE OLD BALL GAME!http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/7th%20inning%20stretch/note4.gif

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/7th%20inning%20stretch/Harry_Caray.jpg

• Dustin E. from Guttenberg, IA - I am a 22-year-old who recently was diagnosed with bone cancer. I feel more tied to the Cubs than any person in this world because I believe they are helping me through this incredibly hard time in my life. The Cubs keep my spirits up, which is a huge part in me getting through chemotherapy and beating this disease. I used to be active in baseball but since my surgery will no longer have activity in my right arm. I now live my baseball through the Cubs alone. I am also a member of chorus and chamber choir.


What a great story!

[ARamfan]

Len is destined to blow out his vocal chords this season! :D

[ryno4ever]

GREAT JOB DUSTIN!!!!!!!!!!!

[ryno4ever]

That was an AWESOME double play! AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME!!!!

[ryno4ever]

Web Gem material!

[ryno4ever]

I think Stevie Ire wanted to kiss Fuld!

[ARamfan]

• Dustin E. from Guttenberg, IA - I am a 22-year-old who recently was diagnosed with bone cancer. I feel more tied to the Cubs than any person in this world because I believe they are helping me through this incredibly hard time in my life. The Cubs keep my spirits up, which is a huge part in me getting through chemotherapy and beating this disease. I used to be active in baseball but since my surgery will no longer have activity in my right arm. I now live my baseball through the Cubs alone. I am also a member of chorus and chamber choir.


What a great story![/QUOTE]

It really is. I don't know if this team has any idea how much they mean to their fans. And having a winning season like this is so powerful in helping to keep peoples' spirits up (especially ones who are going through things like Dustin). :cool: I know they are my coping mechanism.

[ryno4ever]

Dustin is in the booth...his voice is shaking! His grandfather passed away the day after the first audition! They are showing his picture in the booth right now!

[ryno4ever]

Wow....just showed the replay of Fuld's catch..... his head bounced off the wall! What a GREAT play!

[ryno4ever]

This kid's gonna make me cry!

[ryno4ever]

WAY TO GO SORIANOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[ARamfan]

Soriano gets a double. JJ Scores, Theriot scores! 9-3 Cubs! :D

[Drockvb]

Go Cubs!!!

[ARamfan]

This kid's gonna make me cry!

He already got to me. :(

[ARamfan]

I wonder if VanMan is working this afternoon :confused: If so, hopefully he is able to listen to this game on the radio.

[ryno4ever]

Hey...our play by play man is here! Sorry Eric, I tried to keep up, Hill just worked too damn fast for me today!

[VanMan]

Hey guys. Just sorted through the first seven innings of Heather's PBP. You did OK, for a Pizza Hut manager. :P ;)

Seriously, my secret is that I can type about 60 wpm or so, and I just try to describe the action I see on the TV screen. Also, I'm trained as a journalist, so this comes naturally to me. My senior year in high school, I was nominated as MORP king (MORP is prom spelled backwards), and they said I was going to be "the next Harry Caray" as they announced me.

[VanMan]

I wonder if VanMan is working this afternoon :confused: If so, hopefully he is able to listen to this game on the radio.
Actually, I don't work until night time on weekends. I had to take my mother to lunch and get something at the GNC at the mall. I was listening when I could.

[ARamfan]

I wonder if VanMan is working this afternoon :confused: If so, hopefully he is able to listen to this game on the radio.

Speak of the devil, here he is! :D LOL

[VanMan]

Lead-off batter Bautista hits one deep to center, Jones retreats on it, but the ball hangs up in the vines. Jones puts his hands up immediately to kill the play. Next hitter, Sanchez, hits a sharp ball down the right field line, Bautista scores, ball gets by Fuld into the corner, Sanchez winds up at third, it's now 9-4.

[VanMan]

Speak of the devil, here he is! :D LOL
I'm the devil? :confused:

[VanMan]

Next batter strikes out on a foul tip.

[ryno4ever]

3,211,098 season attendance.... with one to go! All time Cub record set today!

[VanMan]

Cubs will be drawing over 3.25 million by the time tomorrow is through. Nady grounds up the middle, Howry kicks it, Sanchez holds, Howry finally finds it at his feet and gets Nady at first.

[ARamfan]

I'm the devil? :confused:

No! Just an expression. ;)

[VanMan]

Paulino takes a strike. Fastball misses inside, 1-1. Pop fly center field, Jones is there to make the catch and retire the side. One run, two hits, no errors, one left.

Middle 8th, Cubs 9, Pirates 4

[VanMan]

No! Just an expression. ;)
I know that. Just messin' witcha.

[ryno4ever]

The Brewers game is the Fox game of the week here...so when this is over, we can watch the Brewers/Atlanta game! Gallardo vs Smoltz!

[VanMan]

Ya know, I just wished I had a normal, 9-to-5 job as we get into the post season. I'll be able to watch all the Monday and Tuesday games and most of the Thursday and Friday games during the playoffs, but I'll have to rely on the radio on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

[VanMan]

I think Brewers-Braves will be the Fox game for most of the Midwest and Southeast.

[ryno4ever]

Can Lee go 5 for 5??????

[ryno4ever]

Ya know, I just wished I had a normal, 9-to-5 job as we get into the post season. I'll be able to watch all the Monday and Tuesday games and most of the Thursday and Friday games during the playoffs, but I'll have to rely on the radio on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

ditto!

[VanMan]

Lee has a 1-1 count, then takes a slider away. Another slider misses well outside. He's looking to add to his 4-for-4 day. He fouls one off the end of the bat and out of play, full count. Curve ball is called strike three. Lee doesn't think so. Looked low.

[ryno4ever]

WHAT?????? THAT WAS BELOW HIS KNEES!!!!! BELOW HIS FREAKING KNEES!!!!! Now, the ump just wants to show off!

[ARamfan]

The Brewers game is the Fox game of the week here...so when this is over, we can watch the Brewers/Atlanta game! Gallardo vs Smoltz!

I don't think I could take it! I'll be at my family party, but I'll be checking the scores. ;)

[ryno4ever]

Congrats Lou for 1600 career wins....yesterday...to put him 15th on the all time winningest manager list!

[VanMan]

Ramirez takes strike one. Curve in the dirt, Ramirez checks his swing, it finds its way to the backstop, ball one. Curve misses inside, 2-1. Change draws an awkward cut and misses, 2-2. Off-speed pitch upstairs, full count. Slider swung and missed for strike three.

[ryno4ever]

I don't think I could take it! I'll be at my family party, but I'll be checking the scores. ;)

My son is at his dad's today..... so, I have nothing better to do than to watch baseball all day long! Well, at least nothing more that I want to do! There's always laundry...dishes....cleaning...mowing... but, baseball season is almost over, I'll catch up on laundry in November! :p

[ryno4ever]

GOOSEBUMPS!!!!!!

[VanMan]

Sam Fuld takes one up and in. The crowd gives him a standing O for his defensive play earlier. He swings and misses, strike one. Change over the letters, strike two. WGN will have the Cubs-Reds game at 2:55 p.m. next Saturday. Two sliders miss, one in, one out, full count. Crowd back on its feet, and Fuld walks.

[ryno4ever]

Lou is going to have a hard time picking a playoff roster!

[ARamfan]

Ya know, I just wished I had a normal, 9-to-5 job as we get into the post season. I'll be able to watch all the Monday and Tuesday games and most of the Thursday and Friday games during the playoffs, but I'll have to rely on the radio on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

I'm glad that this year I'm working from my home office during the baseball season. It doesn't always work that way for me, but when it does I really appreciate it. So, needless to say, the office is closed during all Cubs games! :D

[VanMan]

Soto takes one up and in. Sinker over for strike one. Soto now batting .385 with the Cubs. He swings and misses a slider, 1-2. Slider in the dirt low and away, ball two. Uh oh. Lost WGN for a moment.

[ryno4ever]

WGN will have the Cubs-Reds game at 2:55 p.m. next Saturday..

The Brewers have the same start time next Saturday, as well!

[ryno4ever]

FASTEN THE SEATBELTS! HERE COME'S THE ROLLERDEMPSTER!

[VanMan]

I think I missed a pitch when WGN went frozen on a kid for a moment, but the next pitch Soto fouled one off the facing of the roof. He lifts one to center, Morgan camps, he then hustles in to make the catch. No runs, no hits, a walk, one left.

End 8th, Cubs 9, Pirates 4

[ryno4ever]

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

[ARamfan]

FASTEN THE SEATBELTS! HERE COME'S THE ROLLERDEMPSTER!

Hilarious! LOL

[VanMan]

I guess Fox may be having both games going at the same time, especially when it comes down to clinching the division. They may do the same with the Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, Phillies, Diamondbacks and Padres.

[VanMan]

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

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/z89964987.jpg

[ARamfan]

We might need the angel here, just in case. ;)

[ryno4ever]

ONE OUT.....

[VanMan]

Castillo takes a sinker from Dempster for a called strike one. He fouls off the next pitch, 0-2. Fastball up, swing and a miss, strike three! One down!

[ryno4ever]

We might need the angel here, just in case. ;)

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

[ryno4ever]

OOPS...wrong guy....

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

[VanMan]

Kata takes a fastball that misses the zone, 1-0. Grounder foul past first, 1-1. Change up is swung and missed, 1-2. Do I hear a Tomahawk Chop coming from the Wrigley crowd?

[ryno4ever]

Are the bleacher bums doing the tomahawk chop? Yes they are!!!!!!

[ryno4ever]

ON YOUR FEET!

[VanMan]

Splitter misses low, 2-2. Pop to left, Soriano will make the catch, two gone.

[VanMan]

McLouth takes a splitter for strike one. Another splitter misses low, 1-1. Crowd now chanting "Let's Go Cubbies." Fastball upstairs, 2-1. Fastball misses away, 3-1. Fly ball, deep to right, it's in the bleachers for a homer, 9-5 Cubs.

[ryno4ever]

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

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

[VanMan]

Morgan goes down 0-2. Grounder to Lee, flip to Dempster, CUBS WIN! Magic number is now 7.

Final score, Cubs 9, Pirates 5

[ryno4ever]

GO CUBS GOOOO
GO CUBS GOOOO
HEY CHICAGO WHATTYA SAY?
CUBS ARE GONNA WIN TODAY!http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/7th%20inning%20stretch/MusicNotes.gif

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Tomahawk.gif

[ARamfan]

I'm so happy, I'm numb! CUBS WIN CUBS WIN! :D:D:D

[ARamfan]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Tomahawk.gif

On to the Brewers vs. Braves game starting in about half an hour.

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/braves.gif Time to put on your braves caps, boys and girls!

[VanMan]

First pitch in Atlanta in five minutes.

[ryno4ever]

Weeks
Hardy
Braun
Fielder
Hart
Jenkins
Estrada
Hall
Gallardo

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/Tomahawk.gif

[ryno4ever]

This feels weird....how I HATED that damned Tomahawk Chop in '03! I heard it in my sleep!

[ryno4ever]

Fox has to love this.... their ratings are gonna skyrocket today thanks to Cub fans!

[ryno4ever]

Weeks to the plate.... bunts it foul!

[ryno4ever]

Turner Field looks like a beautiful place.

[ryno4ever]

Weeks takes a ball high and in...then swings and misses for strike two.... high and in, almost hit him....slider gets past the catcher for ball 3, full count... high for ball four. Lead off walk.

[ryno4ever]

Weeks gets picked off first base!

[ryno4ever]

One out, nobody on... Hardy at the plate looks at strike one.....low for ball one.... bouncer foul over toward the first base dugout...bouncer to Renteria...throws out Hardy at first...DO I REALLY HAVE TO ROOT FOR RENTERIA?????

[ryno4ever]

Braun steps in....takes a ball low and in....big swing and a miss... ball two just a little high....flies out to deep center at the track! No runs!

[ryno4ever]

Atlanta
K. Johnson 2B
E. Renteria SS
C. Jones 3B
M. Teixeira 1B
B. McCann C
J. Francoeur RF
A. Jones CF
M. Diaz LF
J. Smoltz P

[ryno4ever]

Johnson steps in and takes a ball outside, ball two is low and away, ball three is high and away, he looks at strike one down the middle of the plate....ball four....leadoff walk.

[ryno4ever]

Ball one inside to Renteria.....Edgar looks at a strike one...a pickoff attempt to first base... Renteria looks at ball two...ball three almost in the dirt...

I swear I hear Ronnie Woo Woo in Atlanta!

...Renteria fouls off a fastball, 3-2 the count...runner goes, and Renteria fouls another one off to the first base side.... runner goes again...and again, Renteria fouls it off...

[ryno4ever]

solid hit and run base hit. Runners at the corners, no one out, Chipper Jones coming up to the plate! GO BRAVES!

[ryno4ever]

Chipper gets a sac fly to center.... 1-0 Atlanta!

[ryno4ever]

Texieria flies out to left...

[ryno4ever]

Brian McCann steps in, man at first, two outs.... he has a 2-1 count on him... Gallardo already has thrown 24 pitches... ball 3 low and outside....ball four is outside...26th pitch.

[ryno4ever]

Francouer steps to the plate... Maddux visits the mound. Capuano is on the mound tomorrow... Sheets tried to play catch today, and couldn't go. Capuano has lost his last 12 decisions.

[ryno4ever]

Francouer takes ball one...Ball two is low.... as Gallardo is knocking on 30 pitches.... two on, two out...strike one, looking...a roller to short...Hardy to Weeks for the third out. After one...

Brewers 0
Braves 1

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/brewers/pa3323-lge.jpgFatman is at the plate (for those new to the gamethread, that is our nickname for Fielder and Braun...fatman and robin)... has an 0-2 count....fouls one back and out of play...looks at ball one, just a bit outside...another one goes foul...ball two is low and outside on a splitter...SWING AND A MISS STRIKE THREE!

[ryno4ever]

One out, and Corey Hart steps up to the plate.... who has a HIGH pop fly to Renteria at shortstop.... two outs.

[ryno4ever]

Ball one outside to Jenkins....fouls off strike one to the third base side...ball two is low and away...Jenkins pops it up, and Diaz catches in in left field foul ground... 3 OUTS!

[ryno4ever]

Coming to the bottom of the second inning....Andrew Jones, Diaz, and Smoltz due up.

[VanMan]

Smoltzie is looking pretty good so far, faced the minimum through two.

[ryno4ever]

Jones steps up to the plate...to face Gallardo... who had 30 pitches in the first inning, as Jones looks at strike one...Jones grounds out to third base, who is thrown out at first. 1 out.

[VanMan]

Andruw Jones rolled one to third for the first out.

[ryno4ever]

Smoltzie is looking pretty good so far, faced the minimum through two.

"Goose eggs across the board"

[ryno4ever]

Oh, I thought Hart was going to lose Diaz's ball in the sun, but gets it for out number 2.

[VanMan]

Diaz flies to deep right, Hart had trouble seeing it, but makes the catch in front of the out-of-town scoreboard.

[VanMan]

Oh, I thought Hart was going to lose Diaz's ball in the sun, but gets it for out number 2.
Luckily it's still daytime, or else they would do the "Sunglasses at Night" reference.

[ryno4ever]

Wow...that was much more efficient for Gallardo. did you hear that Capuano gets the start tomorrow?

[ryno4ever]

Wow...I just noticed I hit the 5000 post mark today!

[ryno4ever]

Smoltz strikes out.

[VanMan]

Let's hope Gallardo doesn't get into a big rhythm.

[VanMan]

Josh Lewellen is really getting on the catchers, with Joe Girardi making sure he's keeping it honest.

[ryno4ever]

Nice job by Smoltzie! He's only allowed a walk so far!

[VanMan]

Smotlz 'em if you got 'em. :)

[ryno4ever]

Smotlz 'em if you got 'em. :)

LOL....good one!

[ryno4ever]

The Braves need to let Gallado throw some more pitches...get that count up and get into the pen.

[ryno4ever]

They are letting Gallardo get into a good rhythm!

[ryno4ever]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w224/ryno4ever/braves/braves1-sm.gif

[VanMan]

They're talking about pies in the faces. Cleveland has a "rally pie."

[VanMan]

Chipper with a dinger!

[ryno4ever]

CHIPPER JONES A HOMER!!!!!! 2-0 BRAVES!

[VanMan]

Chipper has both RBIs for the Bravos today so far.

[ryno4ever]

Oh, he looked safe to me!

[VanMan]

Close play for Teixeira. Gallardo couldn't get that grounder, Fielder flips to Gallardo covering to just get Tex.

[ryno4ever]

Smoltz is ON today....another strikeout.

[ryno4ever]

2 outs on a week grounder to third.

[ryno4ever]

Smoltz walked the first batter, and has retired 11 straight after that.... and even picked off the guy he walked!

[VanMan]

1-2-3 inning for Smoltzie in the 4th.

[ryno4ever]

Eric, you getting a feeling we may be watching something really special today?

[ryno4ever]

I know it's early....but a low pitch count...and Smoltz is in a groove. The Brewers really look like they are pressing, which is only helping Smoltz's cause.

[ryno4ever]

Gallardo has thrown 55 pitches in 4 innings.

[Drockvb]

WOHOOOOO