Hello again everybody, we are live from the 2003 National League Championship Series game one at Wrigley Field.
Wrigley Field! We’re not even kidding! Who knew?
Before we get started, I hope a lot of you got a chance to watch the pregame "Push for the Pennant" show on WGN-TV. If you did, you no doubt saw the most memorable commercial we’ll see all year. You got it, the one with the pre-teen boy talking about how his diapers keep him from wetting the bed every night.
How much money did they have to pay that kid to make that commercial?
He’ll get beaten up every day at school for the next seven years and won’t get a date until he’s 30. And then, she’d better be Amish, so she’s never seen that commercial.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 7:04 pm
But, as usual, I digress. The most important thing is the pennant. It’s right there for the taking.
Jeannie Zelasko is skanked up, Kevin Kennedy’s hair has been freshly sculpted and Juan Pierre just said the walls at Wrigley are covered with "ivory."
If the first tie breaker is a spelling bee, the Marlins are at a disadvantage.
Damn, I wish somebody would remind me the last time the Cubs were in the World Series. I just can’t remember.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 7:07 pm
Karry Ling is back from Vegas where he had that interview this morning with the white tiger who attacked Roy Horn, and now Karry has another white tiger…Marlins decrepit octogenarian manager Jack McKeon.
Karry?
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 7:10 pm
It isn’t "World’s Scariest Police Videos 24" (Although Fox surely could find a way to combine those two shows).
It isn’t "When Animals Attack 11".
Heck, it isn’t even "The Simpsons".
It’s the Marlins and the Cubs live from Wrigley Field!
Starting time: 7:18 PM CT.
Announcers: Thom Brennaman, Steve Lyons, Al Leiter, and a sideline reporter who will certainly screw at least two names up in the first game.
Yes, THAT Al Leiter. You know, a Met. A NEW YORK MET! Thank God Ronnie isn’t going to be there. Or else we’d have World War III tonight.
Thom and Steve were fawning over themselves trying to propel the Braves to victory in the NLDS from the Fox broadcasting booth (Although they were more listenable than the BRUTAL Jon Miller/Joe Morgan combo on ESPN). Then Thom made the biggest mistake any play-by-play guy (Harry Caray excepted, because he’d criticize a player one minute and love him the next) could ever make, slam a Major League Baseball SUPERSTAR (Manny Ramirez) for hitting a homer and celebrating a tad too long. Thom, if you were so concerned with the plight of the sport of baseball go become Commissioner or something. If you don’t, then shut up and go back to announcing Diamondbacks games where nobody can hear you. Glad I got that off my chest, aren’t you?
Al Leiter? Are you SERIOUS?
Heck, he is a FORMER MARLIN! Did I mention he’s a current Met. Let’s see:
We have a former Cub announcer (Thommy). We have a former Chicago White Sock (Psycho). And we have a former Marlin AND current New York Met (Leiter). Heck Joe Buck could be more objective on the Cubs than those three will…
The key to this game:
Which manager will drink Ensure first? Oh, wait, that was the last Marlins series… :-)
The REAL key to this game:
Which Alex Gonzalez is better?
Karry Ling
on October 7, 2003 at 7:10 pm
Hello there everybody, Karry Ling here at Wrigley Field with Marlins manager Jack McKeon. Jack, you joined the Marlins in June, what were you doing with yourself before that this summer?
Jack: "Two words: shuffleboard."
Karry: "Uh, that’s only…oh, never mind. Hey, I’m sure you want to send your best wishes to Ron Santo, don’t you Jack?"
Jack: "Santo? What’s wrong with him?"
Karry: "Well, he’s had both legs amputated and now he’s got tumors in his bladder."
Jack: "BOTH, legs amputated? I’ll have to have Pierre bunt on him, then."
Karry: "Yeah. OK. Uh, thanks Jack."
Back to you, Andy
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 7:13 pm
If Dusty Baker can harness the power of these little red lady-bug like beetles that have taken over Desipio HQ, the Cubs will win this one in two games.
So far, the highlight of the pre-game (other than the bed wetting commercial of course) was Kevin Kennedy telling us that Josh Beckett has a 12-6 curve and then drawing a little clock with a 12 and a 6 on it. Yikes.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 7:13 pm
Hey, there’s that FOX Romeo and Juliet rip-off again!
Couldn’t they at least copy "The Tempest"? Not as many people know something about that Shakespeare play.
Speaking of a tempest, isn’t that being a Cubs fan before this year?
Shooter Flasch
on October 7, 2003 at 7:13 pm
No ballpark this small has ever won a state championship!
I mean pennant!
Go Cubs!
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 7:14 pm
Thommy has the most fake-looking smile in the history of broadcasting going tonight…
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 7:14 pm
I have no words for tHom’s hair. My only guess is that he’s Paulie Walnut’s stunt double on The Sopranos next year.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 7:15 pm
Al Leiter… Don’t you know the Cubs don’t hit it up the middle (Unless it’s Damian Miller with a runner on first and less than two outs)? We either strike out, pull it down the line, or hit a homer you bum!
Al Leiter
on October 7, 2003 at 7:16 pm
Most annoucers look at the camera. I would rather gaze longingly into Thom’s eyes.
tHom Brennaman
on October 7, 2003 at 7:16 pm
That’s me!
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 7:16 pm
Don’t forget Andy you need to predict a Cubs win before the game starts.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 7:17 pm
I think Al Leiter thought he was filming a hostage video and not a pre-game stand up.
"The Cubs have (blink-blink-blink) some good (blinkblinkblink) pitchers and stuff (blink-blink-blink), and so do the Marlins."
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 7:18 pm
Sure enough.
Tonight’s score will be (don’t even bother watching the game, this is a sure thing–go watch "8 Rules for Burying My Dead Father" on ABC).
Cubs 6, Marlins 1
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 7:18 pm
The National League Championship Series on Fox is brought to you by "24"… "The OC"… And "Skin"…
Oh, those are just shows on Fox. Couldn’t figure that out. ;-)
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 7:19 pm
Carlos, make that a good prayer buddy…
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 7:19 pm
Carlos Zambrano is on the mound for the Cubs and he just said to the camera, "I must kill the Marlins!"
I think he just might.
Juan Pierre, or Pierre Juan or somebody is leading off for the Fish.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 7:20 pm
Zambrano making like… Scott Williamson. I didn’t know we traded for him over the night.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 7:21 pm
Ball one.
Ball two.
Steeeeeeeeee-rike one.
Ball three.
Steeeeeeeeeeee-rike two. tHom thought it was borderline. Cue the Madonna music!
Pahhhhhped it up.
The pretty Alex Gonzalez has it and there’s one away.
I won’t do the pitches for every hitter.
That was just in case Carlos started the game with 12 straight bad ones.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 7:21 pm
Carlos kills Pierre on a pop up. One down. Simon and Bako in the lineu
JK
on October 7, 2003 at 8:11 pm
Not sure I want to even watch us on the defensive end the rest of the game. God bless…
JK
on October 7, 2003 at 8:12 pm
Well its ugly both ways I guess.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 8:12 pm
Sammy swings at a ball in his eyes and grounds it to the evil Alex Gonzalez, but Alex punts it and Sammy’s on first.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 8:12 pm
Well Sammy gets on. Come on Alou.
JK
on October 7, 2003 at 8:13 pm
Ok nevermind.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 8:13 pm
Well, there goes that idea.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 8:13 pm
Moises grounds to Alex and this time he fields it and starts a double play.
Boo.
JK
on October 7, 2003 at 8:13 pm
2 pitches 2 outs… just want we dont want.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 8:14 pm
E-ramis grounds to short.
Well, that was…typical.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 8:14 pm
Nice, we go through our 3,4, and 5 batters in about 90 seconds flat.
Way to go guys!
JK
on October 7, 2003 at 8:15 pm
I’ll do this one Andy
4 pitches 3 outs… enough said.
Put the kids to bed and sit in the garage w/ the car on.
Juan P
on October 7, 2003 at 8:15 pm
Sorry America, but you’ll be seeing the Marlins in the World Series…….AGAIN!!!!!!!
Carlos Zambrano
on October 7, 2003 at 8:17 pm
Hey, I’m still in!
I must kill the Cubs!
I mean, Marlins of course.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 8:17 pm
Wouldn’t it be our luck that it’s possible for the Cubs’ NLCS to be:
1 great inning (The 1st)
1 good inning (The 2nd)
34 innings from Hell (The 3rd tonight through the end of Game 4)
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 8:18 pm
Don’t you just love our little Sox friend who stops by when the other team is ahead. He was pretty quiet on Monday.
Carlos just gave up a single to their pitcher. Just to clarify, this is not a good thing.
I missed one, Alex Gonzalez grounded out to Alex Gonzalez. Huh?
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 8:19 pm
Al Leiter: "This inning is important."
Um, Al, it’s the NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES!!! Every inning is kind of important…
Skip Bayless
on October 7, 2003 at 8:19 pm
See, I told you, Dusty sucks!
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 8:20 pm
Did Lyons just say the serve Fenway Franks in Wrigley? Huh?
Dave Veres is warming up in the bullpen. Oh, tonight’s going to be a doozy.
Mattus
on October 7, 2003 at 8:20 pm
Hey, what’s all this negativity? Wrest your site back, Andy!
Were the Marlins this down on themselves when it was 4-0 and you guys were dancing? No, they weren’t, otherwise they never would have come back.
Tonne of time. Knuckle down. Do the job.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 8:20 pm
I’d rather have a dead arm Carlos Zambrano than Dave Veres I think…
Tony Montana
on October 7, 2003 at 8:20 pm
Nineteen OH Eight!!
Nineteen OH Eight!!
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 8:20 pm
Pierre grounds to E-ramis who forces Beckett at second. Pierre on first. Two out.
Zambrano
on October 7, 2003 at 8:21 pm
Think I should walk Castillo and take my chances w/ Pudge again?
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 8:22 pm
I know Dave Veres asked Flynn Kile for one of Darryl’s gloves, but I think she gave him his arm, too.
Pierre tries to run on Paul Bako.
Bako says, "You’re not gonna pay a lot for this muffler!"
Or something. Pierre’s out. And, it’s still 5-4 Marlins.
Juan Pierre
on October 7, 2003 at 8:22 pm
I guess I’ll just have to steal 2nd and take 3rd on the overthrow all the way to the ivory
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 8:23 pm
Come on bottom of the order!
Wait a second… Oh heck, screw that, let’s just forfeit the inning and go to the top of the order in the fifth.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 8:24 pm
What is going on with commercials these days? Did we just see an Immodium commercial where a lady is dancing in a record store and craps her pants?
I think we did.
God, I love TV.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 8:25 pm
MLB putting in the pro-Cubs home plate umpire to make sure a Cubs/Red Sox World Series happens!
Sorry I had to take your straw Andy… ;-)
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 8:25 pm
Did Carlos hit another ump in the neck? Does this ever happen to anybody else?
Mike Riley is now the home plate umpire because…?
Dennis
on October 7, 2003 at 8:26 pm
On cue, the home plate ump gets the trots (maybe).
Exactly why did umpires change? Did they explain this?
Mike Riley
on October 7, 2003 at 8:26 pm
Just in case you forgot, I was the crew chief for the wonderfully umpired Cubs-Cardinals series at Wrigley.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 8:27 pm
Pudge wanted a pitch high on an 0-2 count. He stood up.
Doesn’t that kind of give it away.
Simon takes that one. But grounds the next one to second.
JK
on October 7, 2003 at 8:27 pm
5 pitches 2 outs.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 8:27 pm
Alex grounds to Alex. Huh?
Josh Lewin confirms that yes, Jerry Crawford shat in his pants and that’s why he’s out of the game.
Eww.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 8:28 pm
Josh Lewin the sideline reporter. Heck, let’s just get another former Cub announcer who won’t be objective to do the game!
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 8:29 pm
Left field umpire in Game 1 wouldn’t do home plate until Game 6, that’s why.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 8:30 pm
Lyons says that early on in games the pitcher doesn’t worry about getting hitters out. Sure.
If you ever wondered why pitchers hate pitching to Pudge, you just saw it. He called timeout for no apparent reason during his pitcher’s windup.
Bako grounds to second.
Blah.
After four, 5-4 Marlins.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 8:30 pm
Thom: "The umpiring has been terrific during this postseason…"
What games has Thom been watching?
JK
on October 7, 2003 at 8:31 pm
I’ve seen this too many times. We get a lead, blow it and never score again… but in the 9th we will have men in scoring position and the game will end there.
Karry Ling
on October 7, 2003 at 8:31 pm
I’m here in the umpire’s bathroom with Jerry Crawford. Jerry, what’s your status?
Jerry: "Aaaaaaaaah! Wow! That actually hurts! Hey, when did I eat all this corn?"
Uh…back to you, Andy.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 8:32 pm
In other news, Arnold Schwarzenegger is going to win the recall election in California according to the Drudge Report.
Just thought you guys would like to know… This game needs to be "terminated" before I chuck the remote through the television from frustration.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 8:33 pm
Luis Castillo pops to Bako on a bunt.
One down.
Did Jerry Crawford just wax nostalgic over corn in his stool?
Jack McKeon
on October 7, 2003 at 8:34 pm
I have not see a player dominate a series since Pujols had 7 RBIs in the PCL playoff series in ’46….my first year as a manager.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 8:35 pm
tHom thinks Pudge is the greatest catcher of all time.
Johnny Bench just made a Jerry Crawford in his pants.
The greatest catcher of all time flies to Sammy.
Trader Jack
on October 7, 2003 at 8:35 pm
No more runs and hits for the baby bears tonight!!! I’m seeing 67,000 fans with brooms on Saturday night. I remember a good song from 1984 in San Diego. It’s called CUB BUSTERS!!!!
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 8:36 pm
Hey, the fans are chucking stuff from the fans and we haven’t even been screwed yet.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 8:36 pm
Somebody threw an orange onto the field. We know it wasn’t Carlos because Derek Lee would have smacked it back into the bleachers.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 8:37 pm
Note: The second mention of "fans" is supposed to say "seats". I’m sorry, I need to learn to check my writing.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 8:38 pm
Carlos has a slider?
Should’ve thrown that sometime in the third there buddy.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 8:38 pm
Carlos gets Lee on a nasty slider and Carlos is yelling at himself again.
You know, we’re only down by a run.
It just seems like more.
Carlos, Kenny and Gruddy due in the fifth.
Fish 5, Cubs 4.
Dennis
on October 7, 2003 at 8:38 pm
Time for Carlos to stop messing around and tie this thing himself.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 8:41 pm
Dusty seems to think he can squeeze another inning out of Carlos.
Carlos works the count full, but then whiffs on a good fastball.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 8:43 pm
Carlos gives a very feeble swing and strikes out on 3-2. I’m sure Tom Goodwin would’ve swung a bit more assuredly.
One down.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 8:43 pm
Josh Beckett is not throwing a lot of strikes right now.
But, Kenny lines to second.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 8:44 pm
Lofton works the count to 2-0 and then swings on a pitch that probably would have been ball three to line out to second base.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 8:44 pm
tHom jinxes Beckett with a "Cubs do not have a hit since the first," and Gruddy singles on the next pitch.
Here’s Sammy.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 8:44 pm
Gruddy gets on, this would be a fine time for Sammy to hit his first postseason homer.
Josh Beckett
on October 7, 2003 at 8:45 pm
Another Sosa strikeout coming up!!!!
JK
on October 7, 2003 at 8:46 pm
Vladi anyone? I just can’t stand strike outs.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 8:47 pm
Sammy goes down on strikes. Again.
After five, still 5-4.
JG
on October 7, 2003 at 8:47 pm
tHom called him "swingin sammy" instead of "slammin sammy" – sounds about right
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 8:47 pm
Sammy strikes out. As if we should have expected anything else.
After 5, still 5-4 Marlins.
Josh Beckett
on October 7, 2003 at 8:47 pm
Cork THAT!
Harry's Ghost
on October 7, 2003 at 8:49 pm
Let’s be honest; Sammy sucks. Dave Kingman and Jose Hernandez made contact more often than this overpaid stiff. He gets paid $34MM the next two years by the Cubs, think about that for a moment.
JK
on October 7, 2003 at 8:49 pm
Sammy is the only thing that keeps me from thinking all positives about our future. I’ve watched him get worse. What happened to it seeming like Sammy hit a homer every other at bat… now he doesn’t even make contact.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 8:49 pm
Cabrera singles off the diving glove of Alex.
Carlos better be on a short leash.
JK
on October 7, 2003 at 8:50 pm
Anything else on TV fellas… this is going to get ugly real fast.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 8:50 pm
Encarnacion does the same thing Cabrera does. Woof.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 8:51 pm
Carlos gives up two straight singles… If our middle relief didn’t outright suck I’d advocate taking him out.
Knowing Dusty he’ll waste Remlinger here.
Jeff Conine
on October 7, 2003 at 8:51 pm
Get ready for a 3 run homerun!!!
JK
on October 7, 2003 at 8:51 pm
Repeat: This will get ugly real fast.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 8:52 pm
Dusty to the mound.
Dusty: You, you’re not good. Don’t make me bring Alfonseca in.
Next pitch. Wild pitch.
What time’s tomorrow night’s game?
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 8:52 pm
Paul Bako forgets to do his job and lets a pitch get by… Great this game is going downhill really fast.
Mattus
on October 7, 2003 at 8:53 pm
Game not over guys, keep on fighting!
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 8:53 pm
Thom saying Florida should score two here. They get one on a sac fly.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 8:54 pm
Conine hits a sac fly to Lofton and Encarnacion tags and goes to third. You can run on this outfield all freakin’ night.
6-4.
JK
on October 7, 2003 at 8:54 pm
I wish there was an option on my TV that tuned me into the Cubs game when they pull their head out of their ass. Sure would come in handy.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 8:54 pm
Gonzalez pops to E-ramis and with the pitcher up, Carlos has a shot to get out of with one run.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 8:54 pm
Two outs now. Come on Carlos, get through this and we still have a chance.
Shawn Estes
on October 7, 2003 at 8:55 pm
Hey, I can pitch better than Z, give me the ball in game 5!! Oops, I’m not on the playoff roster, nevermind.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 8:56 pm
Carlos gets the third out.
If I’d known Florida would score six runs, I wouldn’t have even turned it on tonight. Come on offense you’ll have to come through for once.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 8:56 pm
Josh Beckett loves the movie "Tommy Boy." A classic.
And "Black Sheep." Not so much.
He tries to bunt on strike two. What was that a safety squeeze?
Beckett pops a bunt foul for strike three and he gives Carlos the third out.
Thanks!
Marlins 6, Cubs 4. Wrigley is about as lively as an Enya concert.
Steve Kline
on October 7, 2003 at 8:57 pm
BWAAAAAAHHHAAAAAAAAHHHAAA, you $%@*& Cubs ^*#%* losers &*()(#^@( in your head, rifle shot, &&*((@^^$) conspiracy, ravioli, get some, &()@^$#*, where’s my &(@^&#(* HAT, gurgle…
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 8:57 pm
Where is the real Carlos Zambrano?
He’s not on the toilet with Crawford is he?
Come on Cubs, get the bases loaded with nobody out so we can score nothing again just to get our hopes up!
Rob Neyer
on October 7, 2003 at 8:58 pm
Hey Dolan, you stink. Did you poop your pants?
JK
on October 7, 2003 at 8:59 pm
Zambrano, 19 runs in 18 innings. Now lets say 21 in 20.
Kerry Wood
on October 7, 2003 at 8:59 pm
Guys, calm down, Prior and me will pitch twice against these guys. You wanna see some pics of my wifey??
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:00 pm
tHom, "What is Beckett doing differently than he did in the first inning?"
Al, "He’s getting outs."
Everybody’s grounding out to short now. Alou’s turn. One out.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:00 pm
Oh great, now Beckett is getting the big strike zone…
Alou grounds out. Can’t seem to get anything in the air with the wind blowing out. Unfreakingbelievable.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:01 pm
E-ramis pops to first.
This is too easy.
Two out.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:01 pm
Ramirez gets it in the air, but it’s right at Lee… Two down.
JK
on October 7, 2003 at 9:01 pm
I think I’m done watching… I will just end up more pissed off than I am right now.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:02 pm
Randall Simon with a two-bagger. Alex Gonzalez coming up. Almost thinking we should pinch hit Karros, he’s hot and this may be our only chance to tie it up the rest of the night.
Mark Prior
on October 7, 2003 at 9:03 pm
Kerry’s right, you think these punks will touch me for anything tomorrow night? Puh-leeze. It’ll be 2-1 and we’ll see if Matt can keep his protruding groin in his pants long enough to give us a 3-1 cushion before Zam tries it again in game 5. Relax.
JK
on October 7, 2003 at 9:04 pm
Ok maybe i will keep watching.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:04 pm
ALEX TIES THE GAME!!! HOLY COW!!!
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:04 pm
Simon doubles to the corner and man, is he slow. Wow.
But, the tying run is at the plate.
It’s Alex.
Alex hits a Ryne Sandberg, basket special. Two run homer. And (bad announcer alert) we’re right back where we started, 6-6!
GONEZO
on October 7, 2003 at 9:04 pm
It’s alright
JK
on October 7, 2003 at 9:04 pm
Thanks gonzo… whew.
Alex Gonzalez
on October 7, 2003 at 9:04 pm
Yeah baby, who’s the better Alex Gonzalez now?! Show me some love!!
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:06 pm
Leiter wanting that 0-2 pitch.
It’s called fairness Al…
Samuel Perelta Sosa
on October 7, 2003 at 9:06 pm
Wow, I wish I could hit homers like Alex Gonzalez, he rocks. I, um, I get $34MM the next two years! Yessssssssssss!
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:06 pm
Al: "A homer is nothing more than a double going over the fence."
Huh?
Yeah, it’s like a pop up that goes over the fence, too.
Bako strikes out. Hopefully that’s all for Carlos. I think getting six out of him tonight was amazing enough.
The Cubs get them both back.
After six, tied at six.
Hey, 6-6-6.
It’s an omen!
Of some sort.
Mattus
on October 7, 2003 at 9:07 pm
That’s the way boys, keep working, keep fighting.
You don’t spell quit with a ‘C’
Samuel Peralta Sosa
on October 7, 2003 at 9:08 pm
I am cooking up a fine dish of crow for you all to eat when I jack the game winner. I just can’t decide if I should do it in the seventh, or the ninth.
Lenny Harris
on October 7, 2003 at 9:08 pm
Hehe, wow, Bako looked pretty bad on that strikeout, no? I should give him some pointers, I am the all-time pinch hit leader you know.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:08 pm
Knowing Dusty this is when he puts in Veres to blow it…
Either that or Guthrie to blow it…
Either that or Alfonseca to blow it…
Either that or Cruz to blow it..
Either that or keep Carlos in to blow it…
I’ve seen all our options and they all SUCK!
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:08 pm
Actually you could spell it cwit.
Nah.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:10 pm
Mike Remlinger in to pitch to at least Pierre and Castillo.
Uh, oh. I love Ron Santo, but I do not like the Daryl Kile-esque memorial of hanging Ron’s jersey in the dugout.
Make it stop.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:11 pm
Remlinger comes in. Knowing our luck, this will be the one night he is absolutely terrible.
Marty Brennaman
on October 7, 2003 at 9:11 pm
Did tHom just say Ron Santo was his father?
tHom, I am your father!
Join me and together we can rule the galaxy!
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:12 pm
Even Al Leiter knows that Remlinger does better against righties than lefties. Yikes.
He’s 1-1 against the lefties tonight. Pierre flies to Kenny.
One out.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:12 pm
One down. Thom Brennaman’s favorite word of the moment: "Jumpin’"
My ears are gushing blood right now.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:14 pm
Apparently Luis Castillo doesn’t know Remlinger’s tougher on righties, as he bats that way against him. He chops one past the mound and reaches on an infield single.
Pudge up and I’m not saying a word, nor grasping a straw.
The Farns will come in. And likely Damian Miller will come in to catch.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:14 pm
Remlinger’s old legs couldn’t get high enought to get the Castillo chopper.
Farnsworth coming in, and a double switch going to occur. Gonzalez coming out I’d guess… Considering he just hit a homer I don’t really know why, but I digress.
Then again, Miller for Bako is an option too.
JK
on October 7, 2003 at 9:15 pm
Wish we were playing at US Cell field right now… that way maybe some hoosier would run out and attack Pudge and twist his ankle. Where are the Sox fans when we need em.
Karry Ling
on October 7, 2003 at 9:15 pm
Karry Ling here in the Cubs clubhouse with tonight’s starter Carlos Zambrano. Carlos, it just wasn’t your night was it?
Carlos: "I must have killed my ERA."
Well said.
Back to you, Andy.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:16 pm
Does anybody else really get annoyed by that OC commercial?
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:17 pm
The good Alex Gonzalez has three RBI tonight, surely Dusty wouldn’t pull him now, right?
Right?
Fox is in hurry to tell us who the double switchee was.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:17 pm
The Farns v. Pudge…
Is it just me, or will we see this a time or two in this series?
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:18 pm
Very queer moment with Al. "Hands down, Farnsworth is one of the most physically fit pitcher’s I’ve ever seen."
Nice line from Lyons. "Farnsworth planted Paul Wilson like a lawn dart."
Dennis
on October 7, 2003 at 9:18 pm
Does it bother anyone else that Farnsworth kicked his legs up like a girl reading Teen Beat magazine and listening to Justin’s new CD after he threw the ball to get Fick.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:19 pm
Al’s "wife" likes Yanni.
I think we found the gay Met.
Piazza is finally off the hook.
Castillo steals second as Farns misses on 2-2. Full count.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:20 pm
Is this a bad time for me to mention the top of the seventh inning curse at Wrigley?
When I was growing up it seemed the visiting team scored more in the top of the 7th than any other inning against the Cubs.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:20 pm
Pudge strikes out, Miller drops it–of course–but they get him on the throw. Castillo stays at second.
Dennis, that was totally the first thing that same to my mind when Farnsworth made that play.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:22 pm
That’s a little 100 MPH heat for you there Fishies!!!
After six and a half it’s tied at six.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:22 pm
Derek Lee traditionally hammers Farns like the tiger and Roy Horn.
Farns gets ahead 0-2, though.
Lee barely fouls the 0-2 pitch.
Farns is huffing and puffing on the mound. He looks like Louie Anderson at the end of a buffet line.
Farnsy heats him up. 100 MPH and the threat is gone.
After six and a half, Cubs 6, Fish 6.
RR
on October 7, 2003 at 9:23 pm
100mph
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:23 pm
Josh Beckett, come out and get your whuppin!
Come out and get your whuppin!
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:25 pm
Get this.
Damian Miller leads off the seventh with a base hit.
Seriously.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:25 pm
A double, even.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:25 pm
Just make sure Damian Miller doesn’t bat with a runner at first and less than two outs, and we are fine.
Leadoff two-bagger for Miller.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:26 pm
Nice null there Andy!!! ;-)
Better get Karry in here to tell us what the heck just happened.
Damien Miller
on October 7, 2003 at 9:26 pm
I am a double machine!
drama
on October 7, 2003 at 9:28 pm
Get Tom Goodwin in there to pinch run!!!!!!!!
Karry Ling
on October 7, 2003 at 9:28 pm
I have no idea what’s going on. I don’t even know who null is?
But, I do know that Kenny Lofton bunted Miller to third and that the Fish are going to the bullpen.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:29 pm
Grudzielanek better get a hit because we all know what Sammy does in this situation… :-(
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:30 pm
Talk about killing the drama.
Former Brewer (hee hee) Chad Fox in to pitch for the Fish.
Gruddy needs to get Miller in any old way here.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:30 pm
Coming in for Florida…
Chad Fox.
You know, the guy not even good enough for Boston’s joke of a bullpen…
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:30 pm
Can’t take out Miller. We don’t have any other catchers.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:31 pm
Gruddy tries to hit a fly ball and he ends up popping up to first.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:31 pm
Can we just move to the eighth and forget the disappointment here?
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:33 pm
Sammy ropes one that the evil Alex Gonzalez spears to end the inning.
That hurts.
After seven still 6-6.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:33 pm
Brutal… Just brutal… Sammy finally makes contact and their shortstop pulls it out of his butt…
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:36 pm
Hey the nulls are moving now.
I have no idea.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:38 pm
Who will pitch the ninth if it’s still tied? Joe Bo? It’s gotta be, right? Right? Guys? Somebody please help me…
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:38 pm
Farnsy makes Cabrera look sick on a slider. One out.
Kyle Farnsworth
on October 7, 2003 at 9:39 pm
I’m too dumb to know this is a pressure situation, so I’ll just keep striking everyone out. By the way, do you think Al Leiter really likes me?
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:39 pm
Crawford is secretly controlling the Nulls from his toilet laptop, that’s what it is Andy. :-)
JG
on October 7, 2003 at 9:39 pm
I think White Sox fans are probably behind the nulls.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:39 pm
Dusty’s counting on scoring in the eighth. But yeah, you might as well let Regular Joe pitch the ninth. Once you get there, there won’t be a save opportunity for the home team.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:40 pm
Don’t tell Farnsy it’s the playoffs, that’s all I ask.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:40 pm
Encarnacion grounds to Gruddy. Two out.
Can't Take No More
on October 7, 2003 at 9:40 pm
Al Leiter is really, REALLY painful to listen to. Message to Al–broadcasting is NOT in your future when the playing days are over. But why is Fox giving him an audition in an LCS, any ideas?
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:41 pm
Two down for the Farns.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:42 pm
Farns tackles the baseball on that last play…
To the bottom of the eighth, buckle your seatbelts, it’s tied at six!
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:42 pm
Conine lines one off the magnet that is the Farns. He finds the ball and gets Conine.
Pretty good one from Steve Lyons, "You better check the ball and see if it’s hurt."
After seven and a half we’re still tied at six.
Dennis
on October 7, 2003 at 9:43 pm
Well, score here with 4-5-6 and bring in Joe to face the bottom of their order….easy.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:44 pm
Alou, Ramirez, Simon, Gonzalez due up… I really hope we get one here.
Friends of Dorothy, Inc
on October 7, 2003 at 9:44 pm
If we tell you where the post-season sauna party is for Jim Edmonds, Mike Piazza and Al Leiter, will you bring the DVD of the Wizard of Oz and your Bob Fosse Memorial Louffe?
test
on October 7, 2003 at 9:44 pm
test
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:44 pm
Chad Fox looks like one of the guys on Oz. Creepy.
The Brew Crew
on October 7, 2003 at 9:45 pm
Attention Mr. Fox–your 15 minutes are up.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:45 pm
Alou walks on four pitches. That’s a nice start.
Of course a leadoff double was a good start last inning.
But we’re past that.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:46 pm
If Alou somehow gets to second in this inning, I think we have to pinch-run him with Goodwin…
Alou leads off with a walk, that’s why I say that.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:47 pm
Chad Fox is afraid of the Cubs. He’s throwing all of his pitches near the Marlins dugout.
Gonzalez makes a great play on a grounder into the hole.
Blecch.
Alou forced at second, so E-ramis is on first. One out.
Just hit one into the basket, Randall.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:47 pm
You can NOT be serious.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:48 pm
Simon pops weakly to second.
Can you pop any other way to second?
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:48 pm
Well, Alex, you’ll have to do it again buddy.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:49 pm
Well, it’s up to Alex. Again.
Might as well be the undisputed hero.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:51 pm
Gonzo hits one into the corner, it apparently hits the sidewall in right.
The replay shows it does.
Foul ball.
Oh, so close.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:51 pm
That right field corner getting SERIOUS action tonight.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:52 pm
Gonzo singles to center. Ramirez to third.
Are we really going to use Troy O’Leary here?
Where’s Goodwin? All we need is a single.
Blahhhhh!
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:53 pm
Alex gets a hit, but only a single.
Ramirez to third, Alex at first.
Tom Goodwin coming to the plate…
Tommy may not get a chance, Trader Jack has a lefty warming up.
Kerry Wood's Wife
on October 7, 2003 at 9:53 pm
Did somebody say "Serious Action"?
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:53 pm
Never mind. It’s Goodwin.
How weird is it to WANT Tom Goodwin to bat?
Yikes.
They must hate that little lefty (Tejera) in their bullpen if they won’t bring him in to get Tom Freakin’ Goodwin.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:54 pm
Al has basically said "same page" all night… Good grief.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:56 pm
Goodwin strikes out looking.
Looked a little high to me.
Regular Joe will pitch the ninth.
Still tied at six.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 9:56 pm
Is Tommy on the A’s now? Don’t go up there to not swing at stuff… Geez.
Robert Fick
on October 7, 2003 at 9:58 pm
Haha, stupid &(#^*$ Tom Goodwin, I would’ve 4^(@)$ CRUSHED that ball into the &(#&^$( bleachers, or off Eric Karros &(@#)$ limp-wristed arm, or something.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 9:59 pm
If Gonazlez doesn’t make that play on E-ramis’ ball, the Cubs are up 7-6 right now. I do not like that he’s up right now, either.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:00 pm
Gonzalez pops weakly to center. One down.
Todd Hollandsworth…really? Pinch hits for Chad Fox.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 10:01 pm
Just so you know, it’s official now… I think.
Fox News has confirmed Ahh-nold the winner in California and Gray Davis is recalled.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:02 pm
Where’s Todd Dunwoody when you need him?
Or Scott Pote?
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:03 pm
Hollandsworth doubles over Kenny.
Not the best center field play of all time.
Yikes.
Only one out.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 10:03 pm
Hollandsworth gets a double, as Kenny Lofton inexplicably was playing shallow, in my opinion.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 10:04 pm
Well, that 1-2 pitch on Hollandsworth should have been strike 3. But I digress.
Joe having problems with Pierre. Not exactly confidence being exuded in Wrigley right now.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:05 pm
Joe walks Pierre. This is not a good thing.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 10:05 pm
Joe walks Pierre.
This isn’t getting any better. Unless we get a DP here (unlikely), Joe must face Pudge…
That’s not good, by the way.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:07 pm
Grounder to Gruddy. He missed the tag on Pierre and the throw to first was late.
Bases loaded. One out.
Let’s hope one of them thinks they saw Gruddy tag him.
I don’t think he did.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 10:07 pm
Grud bobbling the ball all the time… Bases loaded, one out, nowhere to put Pudge.
Great goodness.
This is not fun
on October 7, 2003 at 10:09 pm
I feel ill…
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:10 pm
Base hit past Gruddy.
Two runs score.
Marlins lead 8-6.
We Lose
on October 7, 2003 at 10:10 pm
Same old Cubs. Gee, should we have signed Pudge now?
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 10:10 pm
Well, that’s the game…
The Franchise must save us tomorrow.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:11 pm
Lee pops to Gruddy.
Two out.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 10:11 pm
Nah… If the Cubs had signed him he would have hurt himself for the season the first month…
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:13 pm
Grounder to Gruddy, he catches this one. He throws to second for the force.
The bad news, the Marlins lead 8-6.
The good news, Ugy Urbina is their closer.
Don’t give up just yet.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:15 pm
Miller grounds to second.
One out.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 10:16 pm
Only Damian Miller could take a fastball up the middle and ground it weakly to second.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:17 pm
Lofton doubles.
You just know it’s going to be Sammy up with a chance to tie or win it.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 10:18 pm
Great…
We’ll only have a chance to tie the game up with Sammy at the plate… I think one letter will accurately describe what would happen if that occurs…
K.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:20 pm
Jack McKeon’s pacemaker goes off and he comes out to argue the fair/foul ball call. Looked like it hit the line, fair.
Sammy nutted that thing. Just a crush job onto Waveland.
Here’s Moises.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:25 pm
Moises flies to left.
BUT, Sammy Sosa homers to tie the game and the Cubs have new life.
On to the tenth, 8-8.
Argyles
on October 7, 2003 at 10:26 pm
HEY HEY!!!
A brand new game. . . again.
Do NOT give the ball to Veres.
TD
on October 7, 2003 at 10:26 pm
Holy Crap – Sammy just made up for all those late inning choke jobs…YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:26 pm
I think you see, why regardless of the outcome tonight (though the odds in extra innings are heavily in favor of the home team) these Cubs are going to find a way to win this series.
Just a great game.
You don’t expect them to get another poorly pitched game, and if they win this one. Well…
You know.
Samuel Perelta Sosa
on October 7, 2003 at 10:26 pm
Baseball been berry berry good to me, now I be berry berry good for Cubbies, no cork in da bat, I just swing hard, where is my buddy Mark McGwire, he is the man still, but I am good too, OK?
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 10:26 pm
You know the sad thing… If we had pitched Veres or Guthrie we’d probably have won the game by now.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:27 pm
Regular Joe in uncharted waters here in his second inning.
Gulp.
I'm Worried Here
on October 7, 2003 at 10:28 pm
JoeBo doesn’t look strong tonite, but I guess since Alpo, Veres and "Hit-Me" Guthrie are the alternatives, we’ll have to take our chances.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:28 pm
Joe gets Encarnacion looking.
One out.
TD
on October 7, 2003 at 10:29 pm
Regular Joe just showed up.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:29 pm
E-ramis with an outstanding play on a smash up the line and…a perfect throw.
No pump, even.
JK
on October 7, 2003 at 10:29 pm
Ramirez has gotten crap all year… but the last month he has been solid at 3rd.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 10:30 pm
Who pitches the 11th if we get there? It’d be appropriate for either Aramis or Alex to bring in the winning run, I think… But, hey, I don’t care who it is at this point.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:31 pm
Moises with a great diving catch to end the inning.
I’m not saying we need to end this in the tenth, but El Pulpo and Guthrie are warming up in the bullpen.
Gulp.
After NINE AND A HALF, tied at eight.
You know what I love about extra inning home games? The mosh pit at home plate when a Cub scores the game winning run.
We’re about to see just that.
My money’s on E-ramis.
TD
on October 7, 2003 at 10:32 pm
In a ‘normal’ game, Sammy doesn’t hit that bomb, Regular Joe implodes, and Moises plays that sinking liner in to a triple…but this is not a normal year.
Aramis
on October 7, 2003 at 10:32 pm
I just made a nice play might as well hit a walk off.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:34 pm
E-ramis got a fat pitch and hit it straight up. Pierre and Conine were confused, but Pierre caught it.
So much for my pick.
Here’s Randall.
Aramis
on October 7, 2003 at 10:34 pm
Sorry, didn’t keep my weight back.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:36 pm
Randall strikes out.
Here’s Mr. Walkoff.
Could it be?
If he stays back and hits one towards right, I think it might be.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 10:36 pm
Anybody else notice that Randall has struck out a ton in the postseason?
Two down for Alex H.R. Gonzalez.
Gonzo
on October 7, 2003 at 10:37 pm
Walk off sound good?
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:39 pm
Alex strikes out.
The Marlins will use a pinch hitter (probably Mike Lowell), then the top of the order.
It’s going to be El Pulpo, most likely.
Be afraid, be very afraid.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:40 pm
I think Randall’s postseason struggles have to do with him facing good pitchers. He’s not just a bad ball hitter, he’s a bad pitcher hitter.
Of course, now that Ugy will be pinch hit for, bat pitchers are all the Marlins have left.
Jim Riggleman
on October 7, 2003 at 10:41 pm
This is where pulling Remmy too early comes back to bite the Cubs. Now our hopes in this game rest on either Alpo, the awful Veres, or the even worse Guthrie. Egads. I guess Alpo is the lesser of three evils, let’s see if that’s how Dusty plays it.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 10:41 pm
Mark Guthrie heading to the mound…
7-Eleven Big Gulp time.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:42 pm
It’s Guthrie to start the eleventh, and I don’t get this. Lowell is up to face Guthrie? Why, Dusty?
Ramon in for Alex. Apparently swapping Karros for Simon made too much sense.
Be Very Afraid
on October 7, 2003 at 10:42 pm
Guthrie gets the call. Gulp.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 10:43 pm
Lowell hits a homer…
Good grief.
Dusty is making me angry
on October 7, 2003 at 10:44 pm
You’ve got to be f-in kidding me. Why Guthrie Dusty, why f-in why? W-H-Y???
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:44 pm
Lowell hit a homer.
What the hell was going on there?
What prodigious lefty slugger was Dusty trying to keep on the bench by bringing in Guthrie?
Lenny Harris?
Marlins lead 9-8.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 10:45 pm
A soft pitching lefty against Mike Lowell, a power-hitting righty.
That made perfect sense.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:45 pm
Pierre grounds to second.
andy f
on October 7, 2003 at 10:46 pm
have faith
Dusty Baker
on October 7, 2003 at 10:46 pm
Oops.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:47 pm
I can’t emphasize enough just how little sense using Guthrie there made. You knew it was going to be Lowell.
Oh, I’m going to go put my head in the oven.
Juan Cruz
on October 7, 2003 at 10:47 pm
Miss me guys?
If Guthrie EVER pitches again....
on October 7, 2003 at 10:48 pm
…this postseason, geezus, the guy has NOTHING, OK Dusty? Get it yet? How many games does this deadbeat have to lose for you? This is Dusty’s weakness, not knowing when to give up on a player.
Dusty Baker
on October 7, 2003 at 10:49 pm
My bad, I cost us this game.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:50 pm
El Pulpo in to face Luis Castillo.
We are determined to follow the Diamondbacks model of winning a World Series. Inconsistent offense, bad extra inning losses, two good pitcher.
Castillo grounds to short and tHom says, "When he hit the ball you knew Gonzalez wouldn’t have a play." He’s right, because it’s Ramon Martinez at short.
El Pulpo will put this out of reach. Great.
Observant Reader
on October 7, 2003 at 10:51 pm
The moron Thom: "you just KNEW there was no way Gonzalez was going to throw out Castillo right there."
No kidding Thom, since Gonzo is now on the bench, Martinez is in the game.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:52 pm
The reason El Pulpo didn’t start this inning was what we just saw. Castillo took off on the first pitch and stole second easily.
Dusty was trying to pray that Guthrie would get Lowell, then get him through Pierre and Castillo. If anybody got on, then Pulpo would come in.
It’s all going wrong now.
The Cubs walk Pudge to pray for a double play.
Depressed
on October 7, 2003 at 10:53 pm
Good call Andy re: the DBacks analogy, but it assumes our bullpen doesn’t lose one for Mark or Kerry. More likely they blow one, and we either need to pull this one out, or get one of the Clement start or the other Zambrano start to pull this out in seven.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 10:53 pm
Florida’s Alex Gonzalez makes a play out of no where and Lyons is talking about his "great defense". It was a lucky play get over it geesh.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:55 pm
Pulpo walks Lee. Great.
Bases loaded. He’ll walk at least one run in now.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 10:57 pm
Alf gets a miracle as that hard line drive is right at Gonzalez… Err… Martinez.
To the bottom of the inning, and we need two runners to get on for Sammy to come up this time.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:58 pm
There’s hope.
Cabrera lines hard to Ramon, terrible baserunning by the Marlins and the Cubs get an easy double play force.
It’s a one run game. But then, it was a two-run game in the ninth.
It’s bleak though, Martinez, Miller and Lofton. Sammy’s lurking in the background though.
After ten and a half, Marlins 9, Cubs 8.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 10:59 pm
Braden Looper in to throw some gas on the one run lead.
Somebody get on.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 11:00 pm
If God has any mercy, he’ll let us get the win off a former Cardinal, Braden Looper.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 11:01 pm
Steve says Ramon is a "great first pitch fastball hitter."
Who isn’t?
Lowell butchers a ball at third, makes a terrible throw and still gets Ramon.
Wow, talk about slow.
One out.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 11:02 pm
Gonzo would probably have beat that out.
Miller up. This sucks.
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 11:02 pm
Damian Miller is pathetic.
He strikes out on three pitches.
Again.
B.C.
on October 7, 2003 at 11:02 pm
So, is the series over if we lose tomorrow?
Andy
on October 7, 2003 at 11:04 pm
Kenny grounds to short.
It’s over.
Final score, Marlins 9, Cubs 8.
Just awful.
Anyway, we’ll be back to do it all over again tomorrow. Hopefully, we’ll get eight more, because with Mark Prior on the mound, it’ll be seven more than we need.
Hello again everybody, we are live from the 2003 National League Championship Series game one at Wrigley Field.
Wrigley Field! We’re not even kidding! Who knew?
Before we get started, I hope a lot of you got a chance to watch the pregame "Push for the Pennant" show on WGN-TV. If you did, you no doubt saw the most memorable commercial we’ll see all year. You got it, the one with the pre-teen boy talking about how his diapers keep him from wetting the bed every night.
How much money did they have to pay that kid to make that commercial?
He’ll get beaten up every day at school for the next seven years and won’t get a date until he’s 30. And then, she’d better be Amish, so she’s never seen that commercial.
But, as usual, I digress. The most important thing is the pennant. It’s right there for the taking.
Jeannie Zelasko is skanked up, Kevin Kennedy’s hair has been freshly sculpted and Juan Pierre just said the walls at Wrigley are covered with "ivory."
If the first tie breaker is a spelling bee, the Marlins are at a disadvantage.
Damn, I wish somebody would remind me the last time the Cubs were in the World Series. I just can’t remember.
Karry Ling is back from Vegas where he had that interview this morning with the white tiger who attacked Roy Horn, and now Karry has another white tiger…Marlins decrepit octogenarian manager Jack McKeon.
Karry?
It isn’t "World’s Scariest Police Videos 24" (Although Fox surely could find a way to combine those two shows).
It isn’t "When Animals Attack 11".
Heck, it isn’t even "The Simpsons".
It’s the Marlins and the Cubs live from Wrigley Field!
Starting time: 7:18 PM CT.
Announcers: Thom Brennaman, Steve Lyons, Al Leiter, and a sideline reporter who will certainly screw at least two names up in the first game.
Yes, THAT Al Leiter. You know, a Met. A NEW YORK MET! Thank God Ronnie isn’t going to be there. Or else we’d have World War III tonight.
Thom and Steve were fawning over themselves trying to propel the Braves to victory in the NLDS from the Fox broadcasting booth (Although they were more listenable than the BRUTAL Jon Miller/Joe Morgan combo on ESPN). Then Thom made the biggest mistake any play-by-play guy (Harry Caray excepted, because he’d criticize a player one minute and love him the next) could ever make, slam a Major League Baseball SUPERSTAR (Manny Ramirez) for hitting a homer and celebrating a tad too long. Thom, if you were so concerned with the plight of the sport of baseball go become Commissioner or something. If you don’t, then shut up and go back to announcing Diamondbacks games where nobody can hear you. Glad I got that off my chest, aren’t you?
Al Leiter? Are you SERIOUS?
Heck, he is a FORMER MARLIN! Did I mention he’s a current Met. Let’s see:
We have a former Cub announcer (Thommy). We have a former Chicago White Sock (Psycho). And we have a former Marlin AND current New York Met (Leiter). Heck Joe Buck could be more objective on the Cubs than those three will…
The key to this game:
Which manager will drink Ensure first? Oh, wait, that was the last Marlins series… :-)
The REAL key to this game:
Which Alex Gonzalez is better?
Hello there everybody, Karry Ling here at Wrigley Field with Marlins manager Jack McKeon. Jack, you joined the Marlins in June, what were you doing with yourself before that this summer?
Jack: "Two words: shuffleboard."
Karry: "Uh, that’s only…oh, never mind. Hey, I’m sure you want to send your best wishes to Ron Santo, don’t you Jack?"
Jack: "Santo? What’s wrong with him?"
Karry: "Well, he’s had both legs amputated and now he’s got tumors in his bladder."
Jack: "BOTH, legs amputated? I’ll have to have Pierre bunt on him, then."
Karry: "Yeah. OK. Uh, thanks Jack."
Back to you, Andy
If Dusty Baker can harness the power of these little red lady-bug like beetles that have taken over Desipio HQ, the Cubs will win this one in two games.
So far, the highlight of the pre-game (other than the bed wetting commercial of course) was Kevin Kennedy telling us that Josh Beckett has a 12-6 curve and then drawing a little clock with a 12 and a 6 on it. Yikes.
Hey, there’s that FOX Romeo and Juliet rip-off again!
Couldn’t they at least copy "The Tempest"? Not as many people know something about that Shakespeare play.
Speaking of a tempest, isn’t that being a Cubs fan before this year?
No ballpark this small has ever won a state championship!
I mean pennant!
Go Cubs!
Thommy has the most fake-looking smile in the history of broadcasting going tonight…
I have no words for tHom’s hair. My only guess is that he’s Paulie Walnut’s stunt double on The Sopranos next year.
Al Leiter… Don’t you know the Cubs don’t hit it up the middle (Unless it’s Damian Miller with a runner on first and less than two outs)? We either strike out, pull it down the line, or hit a homer you bum!
Most annoucers look at the camera. I would rather gaze longingly into Thom’s eyes.
That’s me!
Don’t forget Andy you need to predict a Cubs win before the game starts.
I think Al Leiter thought he was filming a hostage video and not a pre-game stand up.
"The Cubs have (blink-blink-blink) some good (blinkblinkblink) pitchers and stuff (blink-blink-blink), and so do the Marlins."
Sure enough.
Tonight’s score will be (don’t even bother watching the game, this is a sure thing–go watch "8 Rules for Burying My Dead Father" on ABC).
Cubs 6, Marlins 1
The National League Championship Series on Fox is brought to you by "24"… "The OC"… And "Skin"…
Oh, those are just shows on Fox. Couldn’t figure that out. ;-)
Carlos, make that a good prayer buddy…
Carlos Zambrano is on the mound for the Cubs and he just said to the camera, "I must kill the Marlins!"
I think he just might.
Juan Pierre, or Pierre Juan or somebody is leading off for the Fish.
Zambrano making like… Scott Williamson. I didn’t know we traded for him over the night.
Ball one.
Ball two.
Steeeeeeeeee-rike one.
Ball three.
Steeeeeeeeeeee-rike two. tHom thought it was borderline. Cue the Madonna music!
Pahhhhhped it up.
The pretty Alex Gonzalez has it and there’s one away.
I won’t do the pitches for every hitter.
That was just in case Carlos started the game with 12 straight bad ones.
Carlos kills Pierre on a pop up. One down. Simon and Bako in the lineu
Not sure I want to even watch us on the defensive end the rest of the game. God bless…
Well its ugly both ways I guess.
Sammy swings at a ball in his eyes and grounds it to the evil Alex Gonzalez, but Alex punts it and Sammy’s on first.
Well Sammy gets on. Come on Alou.
Ok nevermind.
Well, there goes that idea.
Moises grounds to Alex and this time he fields it and starts a double play.
Boo.
2 pitches 2 outs… just want we dont want.
E-ramis grounds to short.
Well, that was…typical.
Nice, we go through our 3,4, and 5 batters in about 90 seconds flat.
Way to go guys!
I’ll do this one Andy
4 pitches 3 outs… enough said.
Put the kids to bed and sit in the garage w/ the car on.
Sorry America, but you’ll be seeing the Marlins in the World Series…….AGAIN!!!!!!!
Hey, I’m still in!
I must kill the Cubs!
I mean, Marlins of course.
Wouldn’t it be our luck that it’s possible for the Cubs’ NLCS to be:
1 great inning (The 1st)
1 good inning (The 2nd)
34 innings from Hell (The 3rd tonight through the end of Game 4)
Don’t you just love our little Sox friend who stops by when the other team is ahead. He was pretty quiet on Monday.
Carlos just gave up a single to their pitcher. Just to clarify, this is not a good thing.
I missed one, Alex Gonzalez grounded out to Alex Gonzalez. Huh?
Al Leiter: "This inning is important."
Um, Al, it’s the NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES!!! Every inning is kind of important…
See, I told you, Dusty sucks!
Did Lyons just say the serve Fenway Franks in Wrigley? Huh?
Dave Veres is warming up in the bullpen. Oh, tonight’s going to be a doozy.
Hey, what’s all this negativity? Wrest your site back, Andy!
Were the Marlins this down on themselves when it was 4-0 and you guys were dancing? No, they weren’t, otherwise they never would have come back.
Tonne of time. Knuckle down. Do the job.
I’d rather have a dead arm Carlos Zambrano than Dave Veres I think…
Nineteen OH Eight!!
Nineteen OH Eight!!
Pierre grounds to E-ramis who forces Beckett at second. Pierre on first. Two out.
Think I should walk Castillo and take my chances w/ Pudge again?
I know Dave Veres asked Flynn Kile for one of Darryl’s gloves, but I think she gave him his arm, too.
Pierre tries to run on Paul Bako.
Bako says, "You’re not gonna pay a lot for this muffler!"
Or something. Pierre’s out. And, it’s still 5-4 Marlins.
I guess I’ll just have to steal 2nd and take 3rd on the overthrow all the way to the ivory
Come on bottom of the order!
Wait a second… Oh heck, screw that, let’s just forfeit the inning and go to the top of the order in the fifth.
What is going on with commercials these days? Did we just see an Immodium commercial where a lady is dancing in a record store and craps her pants?
I think we did.
God, I love TV.
MLB putting in the pro-Cubs home plate umpire to make sure a Cubs/Red Sox World Series happens!
Sorry I had to take your straw Andy… ;-)
Did Carlos hit another ump in the neck? Does this ever happen to anybody else?
Mike Riley is now the home plate umpire because…?
On cue, the home plate ump gets the trots (maybe).
Exactly why did umpires change? Did they explain this?
Just in case you forgot, I was the crew chief for the wonderfully umpired Cubs-Cardinals series at Wrigley.
Pudge wanted a pitch high on an 0-2 count. He stood up.
Doesn’t that kind of give it away.
Simon takes that one. But grounds the next one to second.
5 pitches 2 outs.
Alex grounds to Alex. Huh?
Josh Lewin confirms that yes, Jerry Crawford shat in his pants and that’s why he’s out of the game.
Eww.
Josh Lewin the sideline reporter. Heck, let’s just get another former Cub announcer who won’t be objective to do the game!
Left field umpire in Game 1 wouldn’t do home plate until Game 6, that’s why.
Lyons says that early on in games the pitcher doesn’t worry about getting hitters out. Sure.
If you ever wondered why pitchers hate pitching to Pudge, you just saw it. He called timeout for no apparent reason during his pitcher’s windup.
Bako grounds to second.
Blah.
After four, 5-4 Marlins.
Thom: "The umpiring has been terrific during this postseason…"
What games has Thom been watching?
I’ve seen this too many times. We get a lead, blow it and never score again… but in the 9th we will have men in scoring position and the game will end there.
I’m here in the umpire’s bathroom with Jerry Crawford. Jerry, what’s your status?
Jerry: "Aaaaaaaaah! Wow! That actually hurts! Hey, when did I eat all this corn?"
Uh…back to you, Andy.
In other news, Arnold Schwarzenegger is going to win the recall election in California according to the Drudge Report.
Just thought you guys would like to know… This game needs to be "terminated" before I chuck the remote through the television from frustration.
Luis Castillo pops to Bako on a bunt.
One down.
Did Jerry Crawford just wax nostalgic over corn in his stool?
I have not see a player dominate a series since Pujols had 7 RBIs in the PCL playoff series in ’46….my first year as a manager.
tHom thinks Pudge is the greatest catcher of all time.
Johnny Bench just made a Jerry Crawford in his pants.
The greatest catcher of all time flies to Sammy.
No more runs and hits for the baby bears tonight!!! I’m seeing 67,000 fans with brooms on Saturday night. I remember a good song from 1984 in San Diego. It’s called CUB BUSTERS!!!!
Hey, the fans are chucking stuff from the fans and we haven’t even been screwed yet.
Somebody threw an orange onto the field. We know it wasn’t Carlos because Derek Lee would have smacked it back into the bleachers.
Note: The second mention of "fans" is supposed to say "seats". I’m sorry, I need to learn to check my writing.
Carlos has a slider?
Should’ve thrown that sometime in the third there buddy.
Carlos gets Lee on a nasty slider and Carlos is yelling at himself again.
You know, we’re only down by a run.
It just seems like more.
Carlos, Kenny and Gruddy due in the fifth.
Fish 5, Cubs 4.
Time for Carlos to stop messing around and tie this thing himself.
Dusty seems to think he can squeeze another inning out of Carlos.
I am the gubernator of the great state of Cal-ee-four-nee-yah!
Carlos works the count full, but then whiffs on a good fastball.
Carlos gives a very feeble swing and strikes out on 3-2. I’m sure Tom Goodwin would’ve swung a bit more assuredly.
One down.
Josh Beckett is not throwing a lot of strikes right now.
But, Kenny lines to second.
Lofton works the count to 2-0 and then swings on a pitch that probably would have been ball three to line out to second base.
tHom jinxes Beckett with a "Cubs do not have a hit since the first," and Gruddy singles on the next pitch.
Here’s Sammy.
Gruddy gets on, this would be a fine time for Sammy to hit his first postseason homer.
Another Sosa strikeout coming up!!!!
Vladi anyone? I just can’t stand strike outs.
Sammy goes down on strikes. Again.
After five, still 5-4.
tHom called him "swingin sammy" instead of "slammin sammy" – sounds about right
Sammy strikes out. As if we should have expected anything else.
After 5, still 5-4 Marlins.
Cork THAT!
Let’s be honest; Sammy sucks. Dave Kingman and Jose Hernandez made contact more often than this overpaid stiff. He gets paid $34MM the next two years by the Cubs, think about that for a moment.
Sammy is the only thing that keeps me from thinking all positives about our future. I’ve watched him get worse. What happened to it seeming like Sammy hit a homer every other at bat… now he doesn’t even make contact.
Cabrera singles off the diving glove of Alex.
Carlos better be on a short leash.
Anything else on TV fellas… this is going to get ugly real fast.
Encarnacion does the same thing Cabrera does. Woof.
Carlos gives up two straight singles… If our middle relief didn’t outright suck I’d advocate taking him out.
Knowing Dusty he’ll waste Remlinger here.
Get ready for a 3 run homerun!!!
Repeat: This will get ugly real fast.
Dusty to the mound.
Dusty: You, you’re not good. Don’t make me bring Alfonseca in.
Next pitch. Wild pitch.
What time’s tomorrow night’s game?
Paul Bako forgets to do his job and lets a pitch get by… Great this game is going downhill really fast.
Game not over guys, keep on fighting!
Thom saying Florida should score two here. They get one on a sac fly.
Conine hits a sac fly to Lofton and Encarnacion tags and goes to third. You can run on this outfield all freakin’ night.
6-4.
I wish there was an option on my TV that tuned me into the Cubs game when they pull their head out of their ass. Sure would come in handy.
Gonzalez pops to E-ramis and with the pitcher up, Carlos has a shot to get out of with one run.
Two outs now. Come on Carlos, get through this and we still have a chance.
Hey, I can pitch better than Z, give me the ball in game 5!! Oops, I’m not on the playoff roster, nevermind.
Carlos gets the third out.
If I’d known Florida would score six runs, I wouldn’t have even turned it on tonight. Come on offense you’ll have to come through for once.
Josh Beckett loves the movie "Tommy Boy." A classic.
And "Black Sheep." Not so much.
He tries to bunt on strike two. What was that a safety squeeze?
Beckett pops a bunt foul for strike three and he gives Carlos the third out.
Thanks!
Marlins 6, Cubs 4. Wrigley is about as lively as an Enya concert.
BWAAAAAAHHHAAAAAAAAHHHAAA, you $%@*& Cubs ^*#%* losers &*()(#^@( in your head, rifle shot, &&*((@^^$) conspiracy, ravioli, get some, &()@^$#*, where’s my &(@^&#(* HAT, gurgle…
Where is the real Carlos Zambrano?
He’s not on the toilet with Crawford is he?
Come on Cubs, get the bases loaded with nobody out so we can score nothing again just to get our hopes up!
Hey Dolan, you stink. Did you poop your pants?
Zambrano, 19 runs in 18 innings. Now lets say 21 in 20.
Guys, calm down, Prior and me will pitch twice against these guys. You wanna see some pics of my wifey??
tHom, "What is Beckett doing differently than he did in the first inning?"
Al, "He’s getting outs."
Everybody’s grounding out to short now. Alou’s turn. One out.
Oh great, now Beckett is getting the big strike zone…
Alou grounds out. Can’t seem to get anything in the air with the wind blowing out. Unfreakingbelievable.
E-ramis pops to first.
This is too easy.
Two out.
Ramirez gets it in the air, but it’s right at Lee… Two down.
I think I’m done watching… I will just end up more pissed off than I am right now.
Randall Simon with a two-bagger. Alex Gonzalez coming up. Almost thinking we should pinch hit Karros, he’s hot and this may be our only chance to tie it up the rest of the night.
Kerry’s right, you think these punks will touch me for anything tomorrow night? Puh-leeze. It’ll be 2-1 and we’ll see if Matt can keep his protruding groin in his pants long enough to give us a 3-1 cushion before Zam tries it again in game 5. Relax.
Ok maybe i will keep watching.
ALEX TIES THE GAME!!! HOLY COW!!!
Simon doubles to the corner and man, is he slow. Wow.
But, the tying run is at the plate.
It’s Alex.
Alex hits a Ryne Sandberg, basket special. Two run homer. And (bad announcer alert) we’re right back where we started, 6-6!
It’s alright
Thanks gonzo… whew.
Yeah baby, who’s the better Alex Gonzalez now?! Show me some love!!
Leiter wanting that 0-2 pitch.
It’s called fairness Al…
Wow, I wish I could hit homers like Alex Gonzalez, he rocks. I, um, I get $34MM the next two years! Yessssssssssss!
Al: "A homer is nothing more than a double going over the fence."
Huh?
Yeah, it’s like a pop up that goes over the fence, too.
Bako strikes out. Hopefully that’s all for Carlos. I think getting six out of him tonight was amazing enough.
The Cubs get them both back.
After six, tied at six.
Hey, 6-6-6.
It’s an omen!
Of some sort.
That’s the way boys, keep working, keep fighting.
You don’t spell quit with a ‘C’
I am cooking up a fine dish of crow for you all to eat when I jack the game winner. I just can’t decide if I should do it in the seventh, or the ninth.
Hehe, wow, Bako looked pretty bad on that strikeout, no? I should give him some pointers, I am the all-time pinch hit leader you know.
Knowing Dusty this is when he puts in Veres to blow it…
Either that or Guthrie to blow it…
Either that or Alfonseca to blow it…
Either that or Cruz to blow it..
Either that or keep Carlos in to blow it…
I’ve seen all our options and they all SUCK!
Actually you could spell it cwit.
Nah.
Mike Remlinger in to pitch to at least Pierre and Castillo.
Uh, oh. I love Ron Santo, but I do not like the Daryl Kile-esque memorial of hanging Ron’s jersey in the dugout.
Make it stop.
Remlinger comes in. Knowing our luck, this will be the one night he is absolutely terrible.
Did tHom just say Ron Santo was his father?
tHom, I am your father!
Join me and together we can rule the galaxy!
Even Al Leiter knows that Remlinger does better against righties than lefties. Yikes.
He’s 1-1 against the lefties tonight. Pierre flies to Kenny.
One out.
One down. Thom Brennaman’s favorite word of the moment: "Jumpin’"
My ears are gushing blood right now.
Apparently Luis Castillo doesn’t know Remlinger’s tougher on righties, as he bats that way against him. He chops one past the mound and reaches on an infield single.
Pudge up and I’m not saying a word, nor grasping a straw.
The Farns will come in. And likely Damian Miller will come in to catch.
Remlinger’s old legs couldn’t get high enought to get the Castillo chopper.
Farnsworth coming in, and a double switch going to occur. Gonzalez coming out I’d guess… Considering he just hit a homer I don’t really know why, but I digress.
Then again, Miller for Bako is an option too.
Wish we were playing at US Cell field right now… that way maybe some hoosier would run out and attack Pudge and twist his ankle. Where are the Sox fans when we need em.
Karry Ling here in the Cubs clubhouse with tonight’s starter Carlos Zambrano. Carlos, it just wasn’t your night was it?
Carlos: "I must have killed my ERA."
Well said.
Back to you, Andy.
Does anybody else really get annoyed by that OC commercial?
The good Alex Gonzalez has three RBI tonight, surely Dusty wouldn’t pull him now, right?
Right?
Fox is in hurry to tell us who the double switchee was.
The Farns v. Pudge…
Is it just me, or will we see this a time or two in this series?
Very queer moment with Al. "Hands down, Farnsworth is one of the most physically fit pitcher’s I’ve ever seen."
Nice line from Lyons. "Farnsworth planted Paul Wilson like a lawn dart."
Does it bother anyone else that Farnsworth kicked his legs up like a girl reading Teen Beat magazine and listening to Justin’s new CD after he threw the ball to get Fick.
Al’s "wife" likes Yanni.
I think we found the gay Met.
Piazza is finally off the hook.
Castillo steals second as Farns misses on 2-2. Full count.
Is this a bad time for me to mention the top of the seventh inning curse at Wrigley?
When I was growing up it seemed the visiting team scored more in the top of the 7th than any other inning against the Cubs.
Pudge strikes out, Miller drops it–of course–but they get him on the throw. Castillo stays at second.
Two out.
Thom said "Gaudy". Jim Edmonds perked up again.
Dennis, that was totally the first thing that same to my mind when Farnsworth made that play.
That’s a little 100 MPH heat for you there Fishies!!!
After six and a half it’s tied at six.
Derek Lee traditionally hammers Farns like the tiger and Roy Horn.
Farns gets ahead 0-2, though.
Lee barely fouls the 0-2 pitch.
Farns is huffing and puffing on the mound. He looks like Louie Anderson at the end of a buffet line.
Farnsy heats him up. 100 MPH and the threat is gone.
After six and a half, Cubs 6, Fish 6.
100mph
Josh Beckett, come out and get your whuppin!
Come out and get your whuppin!
Get this.
Damian Miller leads off the seventh with a base hit.
Seriously.
A double, even.
Just make sure Damian Miller doesn’t bat with a runner at first and less than two outs, and we are fine.
Leadoff two-bagger for Miller.
Nice null there Andy!!! ;-)
Better get Karry in here to tell us what the heck just happened.
I am a double machine!
Get Tom Goodwin in there to pinch run!!!!!!!!
I have no idea what’s going on. I don’t even know who null is?
But, I do know that Kenny Lofton bunted Miller to third and that the Fish are going to the bullpen.
Grudzielanek better get a hit because we all know what Sammy does in this situation… :-(
Talk about killing the drama.
Former Brewer (hee hee) Chad Fox in to pitch for the Fish.
Gruddy needs to get Miller in any old way here.
Coming in for Florida…
Chad Fox.
You know, the guy not even good enough for Boston’s joke of a bullpen…
Can’t take out Miller. We don’t have any other catchers.
Gruddy tries to hit a fly ball and he ends up popping up to first.
Can we just move to the eighth and forget the disappointment here?
Sammy ropes one that the evil Alex Gonzalez spears to end the inning.
That hurts.
After seven still 6-6.
Brutal… Just brutal… Sammy finally makes contact and their shortstop pulls it out of his butt…
Hey the nulls are moving now.
I have no idea.
Who will pitch the ninth if it’s still tied? Joe Bo? It’s gotta be, right? Right? Guys? Somebody please help me…
Farnsy makes Cabrera look sick on a slider. One out.
I’m too dumb to know this is a pressure situation, so I’ll just keep striking everyone out. By the way, do you think Al Leiter really likes me?
Crawford is secretly controlling the Nulls from his toilet laptop, that’s what it is Andy. :-)
I think White Sox fans are probably behind the nulls.
Dusty’s counting on scoring in the eighth. But yeah, you might as well let Regular Joe pitch the ninth. Once you get there, there won’t be a save opportunity for the home team.
Don’t tell Farnsy it’s the playoffs, that’s all I ask.
Encarnacion grounds to Gruddy. Two out.
Al Leiter is really, REALLY painful to listen to. Message to Al–broadcasting is NOT in your future when the playing days are over. But why is Fox giving him an audition in an LCS, any ideas?
Two down for the Farns.
Farns tackles the baseball on that last play…
To the bottom of the eighth, buckle your seatbelts, it’s tied at six!
Conine lines one off the magnet that is the Farns. He finds the ball and gets Conine.
Pretty good one from Steve Lyons, "You better check the ball and see if it’s hurt."
After seven and a half we’re still tied at six.
Well, score here with 4-5-6 and bring in Joe to face the bottom of their order….easy.
Alou, Ramirez, Simon, Gonzalez due up… I really hope we get one here.
If we tell you where the post-season sauna party is for Jim Edmonds, Mike Piazza and Al Leiter, will you bring the DVD of the Wizard of Oz and your Bob Fosse Memorial Louffe?
test
Chad Fox looks like one of the guys on Oz. Creepy.
Attention Mr. Fox–your 15 minutes are up.
Alou walks on four pitches. That’s a nice start.
Of course a leadoff double was a good start last inning.
But we’re past that.
If Alou somehow gets to second in this inning, I think we have to pinch-run him with Goodwin…
Alou leads off with a walk, that’s why I say that.
Chad Fox is afraid of the Cubs. He’s throwing all of his pitches near the Marlins dugout.
Gonzalez makes a great play on a grounder into the hole.
Blecch.
Alou forced at second, so E-ramis is on first. One out.
Just hit one into the basket, Randall.
You can NOT be serious.
Simon pops weakly to second.
Can you pop any other way to second?
Well, Alex, you’ll have to do it again buddy.
Well, it’s up to Alex. Again.
Might as well be the undisputed hero.
Gonzo hits one into the corner, it apparently hits the sidewall in right.
The replay shows it does.
Foul ball.
Oh, so close.
That right field corner getting SERIOUS action tonight.
Gonzo singles to center. Ramirez to third.
Are we really going to use Troy O’Leary here?
Where’s Goodwin? All we need is a single.
Blahhhhh!
Alex gets a hit, but only a single.
Ramirez to third, Alex at first.
Tom Goodwin coming to the plate…
Tommy may not get a chance, Trader Jack has a lefty warming up.
Did somebody say "Serious Action"?
Never mind. It’s Goodwin.
How weird is it to WANT Tom Goodwin to bat?
Yikes.
They must hate that little lefty (Tejera) in their bullpen if they won’t bring him in to get Tom Freakin’ Goodwin.
Al has basically said "same page" all night… Good grief.
Goodwin strikes out looking.
Looked a little high to me.
Regular Joe will pitch the ninth.
Still tied at six.
Is Tommy on the A’s now? Don’t go up there to not swing at stuff… Geez.
Haha, stupid &(#^*$ Tom Goodwin, I would’ve 4^(@)$ CRUSHED that ball into the &(#&^$( bleachers, or off Eric Karros &(@#)$ limp-wristed arm, or something.
If Gonazlez doesn’t make that play on E-ramis’ ball, the Cubs are up 7-6 right now. I do not like that he’s up right now, either.
Gonzalez pops weakly to center. One down.
Todd Hollandsworth…really? Pinch hits for Chad Fox.
Just so you know, it’s official now… I think.
Fox News has confirmed Ahh-nold the winner in California and Gray Davis is recalled.
Where’s Todd Dunwoody when you need him?
Or Scott Pote?
Hollandsworth doubles over Kenny.
Not the best center field play of all time.
Yikes.
Only one out.
Hollandsworth gets a double, as Kenny Lofton inexplicably was playing shallow, in my opinion.
Well, that 1-2 pitch on Hollandsworth should have been strike 3. But I digress.
Joe having problems with Pierre. Not exactly confidence being exuded in Wrigley right now.
Joe walks Pierre. This is not a good thing.
Joe walks Pierre.
This isn’t getting any better. Unless we get a DP here (unlikely), Joe must face Pudge…
That’s not good, by the way.
Grounder to Gruddy. He missed the tag on Pierre and the throw to first was late.
Bases loaded. One out.
Let’s hope one of them thinks they saw Gruddy tag him.
I don’t think he did.
Grud bobbling the ball all the time… Bases loaded, one out, nowhere to put Pudge.
Great goodness.
I feel ill…
Base hit past Gruddy.
Two runs score.
Marlins lead 8-6.
Same old Cubs. Gee, should we have signed Pudge now?
Well, that’s the game…
The Franchise must save us tomorrow.
Lee pops to Gruddy.
Two out.
Nah… If the Cubs had signed him he would have hurt himself for the season the first month…
Grounder to Gruddy, he catches this one. He throws to second for the force.
The bad news, the Marlins lead 8-6.
The good news, Ugy Urbina is their closer.
Don’t give up just yet.
Miller grounds to second.
One out.
Only Damian Miller could take a fastball up the middle and ground it weakly to second.
Lofton doubles.
You just know it’s going to be Sammy up with a chance to tie or win it.
Great…
We’ll only have a chance to tie the game up with Sammy at the plate… I think one letter will accurately describe what would happen if that occurs…
K.
Jack McKeon’s pacemaker goes off and he comes out to argue the fair/foul ball call. Looked like it hit the line, fair.
Here’s Grud.
He grounds to third.
It’s up to Sammy.
SAMMYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!
We’re tied at eight.
SAMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sammy nutted that thing. Just a crush job onto Waveland.
Here’s Moises.
Moises flies to left.
BUT, Sammy Sosa homers to tie the game and the Cubs have new life.
On to the tenth, 8-8.
HEY HEY!!!
A brand new game. . . again.
Do NOT give the ball to Veres.
Holy Crap – Sammy just made up for all those late inning choke jobs…YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!
I think you see, why regardless of the outcome tonight (though the odds in extra innings are heavily in favor of the home team) these Cubs are going to find a way to win this series.
Just a great game.
You don’t expect them to get another poorly pitched game, and if they win this one. Well…
You know.
Baseball been berry berry good to me, now I be berry berry good for Cubbies, no cork in da bat, I just swing hard, where is my buddy Mark McGwire, he is the man still, but I am good too, OK?
You know the sad thing… If we had pitched Veres or Guthrie we’d probably have won the game by now.
Regular Joe in uncharted waters here in his second inning.
Gulp.
JoeBo doesn’t look strong tonite, but I guess since Alpo, Veres and "Hit-Me" Guthrie are the alternatives, we’ll have to take our chances.
Joe gets Encarnacion looking.
One out.
Regular Joe just showed up.
E-ramis with an outstanding play on a smash up the line and…a perfect throw.
No pump, even.
Ramirez has gotten crap all year… but the last month he has been solid at 3rd.
Who pitches the 11th if we get there? It’d be appropriate for either Aramis or Alex to bring in the winning run, I think… But, hey, I don’t care who it is at this point.
Moises with a great diving catch to end the inning.
I’m not saying we need to end this in the tenth, but El Pulpo and Guthrie are warming up in the bullpen.
Gulp.
After NINE AND A HALF, tied at eight.
You know what I love about extra inning home games? The mosh pit at home plate when a Cub scores the game winning run.
We’re about to see just that.
My money’s on E-ramis.
In a ‘normal’ game, Sammy doesn’t hit that bomb, Regular Joe implodes, and Moises plays that sinking liner in to a triple…but this is not a normal year.
I just made a nice play might as well hit a walk off.
E-ramis got a fat pitch and hit it straight up. Pierre and Conine were confused, but Pierre caught it.
So much for my pick.
Here’s Randall.
Sorry, didn’t keep my weight back.
Randall strikes out.
Here’s Mr. Walkoff.
Could it be?
If he stays back and hits one towards right, I think it might be.
Anybody else notice that Randall has struck out a ton in the postseason?
Two down for Alex H.R. Gonzalez.
Walk off sound good?
Alex strikes out.
The Marlins will use a pinch hitter (probably Mike Lowell), then the top of the order.
It’s going to be El Pulpo, most likely.
Be afraid, be very afraid.
I think Randall’s postseason struggles have to do with him facing good pitchers. He’s not just a bad ball hitter, he’s a bad pitcher hitter.
Of course, now that Ugy will be pinch hit for, bat pitchers are all the Marlins have left.
This is where pulling Remmy too early comes back to bite the Cubs. Now our hopes in this game rest on either Alpo, the awful Veres, or the even worse Guthrie. Egads. I guess Alpo is the lesser of three evils, let’s see if that’s how Dusty plays it.
Mark Guthrie heading to the mound…
7-Eleven Big Gulp time.
It’s Guthrie to start the eleventh, and I don’t get this. Lowell is up to face Guthrie? Why, Dusty?
Ramon in for Alex. Apparently swapping Karros for Simon made too much sense.
Guthrie gets the call. Gulp.
Lowell hits a homer…
Good grief.
You’ve got to be f-in kidding me. Why Guthrie Dusty, why f-in why? W-H-Y???
Lowell hit a homer.
What the hell was going on there?
What prodigious lefty slugger was Dusty trying to keep on the bench by bringing in Guthrie?
Lenny Harris?
Marlins lead 9-8.
A soft pitching lefty against Mike Lowell, a power-hitting righty.
That made perfect sense.
Pierre grounds to second.
have faith
Oops.
I can’t emphasize enough just how little sense using Guthrie there made. You knew it was going to be Lowell.
Oh, I’m going to go put my head in the oven.
Miss me guys?
…this postseason, geezus, the guy has NOTHING, OK Dusty? Get it yet? How many games does this deadbeat have to lose for you? This is Dusty’s weakness, not knowing when to give up on a player.
My bad, I cost us this game.
El Pulpo in to face Luis Castillo.
We are determined to follow the Diamondbacks model of winning a World Series. Inconsistent offense, bad extra inning losses, two good pitcher.
Castillo grounds to short and tHom says, "When he hit the ball you knew Gonzalez wouldn’t have a play." He’s right, because it’s Ramon Martinez at short.
El Pulpo will put this out of reach. Great.
The moron Thom: "you just KNEW there was no way Gonzalez was going to throw out Castillo right there."
No kidding Thom, since Gonzo is now on the bench, Martinez is in the game.
The reason El Pulpo didn’t start this inning was what we just saw. Castillo took off on the first pitch and stole second easily.
Dusty was trying to pray that Guthrie would get Lowell, then get him through Pierre and Castillo. If anybody got on, then Pulpo would come in.
It’s all going wrong now.
The Cubs walk Pudge to pray for a double play.
Good call Andy re: the DBacks analogy, but it assumes our bullpen doesn’t lose one for Mark or Kerry. More likely they blow one, and we either need to pull this one out, or get one of the Clement start or the other Zambrano start to pull this out in seven.
Florida’s Alex Gonzalez makes a play out of no where and Lyons is talking about his "great defense". It was a lucky play get over it geesh.
Pulpo walks Lee. Great.
Bases loaded. He’ll walk at least one run in now.
Alf gets a miracle as that hard line drive is right at Gonzalez… Err… Martinez.
To the bottom of the inning, and we need two runners to get on for Sammy to come up this time.
There’s hope.
Cabrera lines hard to Ramon, terrible baserunning by the Marlins and the Cubs get an easy double play force.
It’s a one run game. But then, it was a two-run game in the ninth.
It’s bleak though, Martinez, Miller and Lofton. Sammy’s lurking in the background though.
After ten and a half, Marlins 9, Cubs 8.
Braden Looper in to throw some gas on the one run lead.
Somebody get on.
If God has any mercy, he’ll let us get the win off a former Cardinal, Braden Looper.
Steve says Ramon is a "great first pitch fastball hitter."
Who isn’t?
Lowell butchers a ball at third, makes a terrible throw and still gets Ramon.
Wow, talk about slow.
One out.
Gonzo would probably have beat that out.
Miller up. This sucks.
Damian Miller is pathetic.
He strikes out on three pitches.
Again.
So, is the series over if we lose tomorrow?
Kenny grounds to short.
It’s over.
Final score, Marlins 9, Cubs 8.
Just awful.
Anyway, we’ll be back to do it all over again tomorrow. Hopefully, we’ll get eight more, because with Mark Prior on the mound, it’ll be seven more than we need.
Now, I’m going to try and fix these damn nulls.
Good night.
There is always something wrong, if one is straining to make the commonplace incomprehensible. by texas hold’em