Hello again, everybody. While the Marlins and Giants battle on and on in their mildly entertaining battle, the Cubs and Braves are getting ready for game two of their series.
If you just crawled out from under a rock, the Cubs are leading the series one game to none.
Tonight it’s Desipio Love Child Carlos Zambrano against the man the Marlins are paying to pitch for the Braves, even though he never pitched for the Marlins, Mike Hampton. Huh?
Mattus
on October 1, 2003 at 6:07 pm
Good afternoon all.
What’s your prediction for today, mate?
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 6:08 pm
Apparently, Desipio is not "in" Chicago. So we have not been sent to the Cubs game yet on ESPN. Pat Hughes and Steve Stone will guide us through the first inning.
Just like the old days. Perhaps the way it was ought-eight.
Though I think it was the WGN Radio team of Jack Brickhouse and Albert Pujols back then.
Lofton walks to open the game.
Gail Fisher says he’s on base half the time.
You know, the times when he gets a walk or a hit. As opposed to the time he doesn’t.
Huh?
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 6:10 pm
Tonight’s prediction is Cubs 6, Braves 3.
Hopefully it will be Cubs 16, Braves 0.
Six pitches and Hampton has yet to throw a start.
Stone says Hampton has a football player’s mentality. Is this Mike or Dan Hampton?
He’s doing his Rick Ankiel impersonation and it’s 3-0 to Gruddy.
Ball eight.
Two on, nobody out.
JG
on October 1, 2003 at 6:10 pm
Apparently Arlington, VA is not "in" Chicago either. Isn’t this situation what espn2 is for? At least moreso than a special about the womens soccer team.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 6:10 pm
Somebody needs to tell ESPN that Chris Berman is a FOOTBALL PRE-GAME SHOW ANCHOR…
Geesh.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 6:12 pm
Wow, that was a GREAT finish to that SF/FLA game, wasn’t it?
Mattus
on October 1, 2003 at 6:12 pm
Just read at ESPN.com that Zambrano said yesterday "I don’t feel anything in my arm". Is that good?
ChC – 6
Atl – 5
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 6:12 pm
Sammy is drooling as he comes to home plate. But Hampton won’t throw him a strike either.
Ball nine.
Finally, a strike.
SAMMY!
Hughes thought he homered, apparently it hit the top of the fence. Lofton scores after almost being nailed at the plate. 1-0 Cubs.
Gruddy’s at third, Sosa’s at second.
Leo Mazzone is out to review Hampton’s performance.
It won’t take long.
Mazzone: You suck.
Hampton: Yup.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 6:14 pm
Cubs score a run… Although I’m still confused.
Dennis
on October 1, 2003 at 6:14 pm
The SF/FLA announcers are brutal. Why does Sut feel the need to always ask Gwynn stupid questions.
Sut: Hey Tony, you remember all the groupies in San Diego.
Gwynn: Yeah, you are right.
Nothing like nine innings of comments like that.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 6:16 pm
OK, the rule book says the yellow line is top of the fence. If the ball hits the yellow it’s in play.
Sammy hit a double.
Normally Sammy’s homers in Turner Field land in Macon. Next time he won’t take the chance.
Alou’s up with two on and nobody out.
Oh joy. Jon Miller and the Anti-Christ.
Alou grounds to third. Gruddy hesitated and went home. The Mullet throws home, but Gruddy is
SAFE!!!
2-0 Cubs.
The Anti-Christ says the Cubs have "done everything wrong, but they’re in control."
Huh?
Shut up, Joe.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 6:16 pm
I think Grudzy was safe on that one.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 6:18 pm
The replay shows that home plate ump Hunter Wendlestedt was right. Two-zip Cubs. Runners at first and second. Nobody out. Here’s E-ramis.
E-ramis singles and loads the bases.
I think Sammy should have scored on that.
Can’t any Cubs score from second on a single with less than two outs?
I mean Steve Lyons probably still thinks Kerry Wood can.
Zambrano pitches like a stud all year and the last 2 weeks he has went down hill… this scares me.
Joe Morgan
on October 1, 2003 at 6:26 pm
It took me three minutes to mention Zambrano’s emotions. Nothing like reading the morning papers. I might mention a goat sometime this evening as well.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 6:27 pm
Way to go Jon Miller… I believe that’s called a jinx you bum…
I have this bad feeling C-Zam is only going to last four innings…
And why does Nelly use the tomahawk chop in his latest song anyway? Don’t the Cardinals have a rally cry he can use?
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 6:28 pm
Did I say four innings?
How about two?
We need a K bad here Carlos.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 6:29 pm
Furcal was 0-9 lifetime against Carlos. He’s 1-10 with a single, now.
Carlos better not start that, I’ll just throw my fastball slower so it’ll be a strike crap.
Mark DeRosa is at second tonight for Marcus Giles.
DeRosa grounds one through the hole between Karros and Gruddy. Furcal to third.
Yikes.
JK
on October 1, 2003 at 6:29 pm
Double play now!! Lets go Cubbies.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 6:29 pm
Big out on Sheffield there Carlos. A groundball anywhere at an infielder on the right side of the infield and it’s a double play…
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 6:31 pm
Unless that grounder is hit slower than Moises Alou.
2-1 now…
"Jirations" Joe? Come on…
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 6:31 pm
Sheffield pops to E-ramis in foul ground. This would be a nice time for Larry Wayne to tap one to shortstop.
If velocity is any indication, Carlos’ back must feel pretty good, he’s hitting 98 consistently.
Instead, Larry Wayne grounds to Grudzielanek. They get DeRosa at second, but Furcal scores. Two outs. It’s 2-1 Cubs.
Carlos made too good of a pitch, Chipper didn’t hit hard enough.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 6:33 pm
Will somebody please tell Jon Miller to stop using those dang statistics?
Killing me here…
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 6:34 pm
Javy gets two strikes on him and the Cubs fans in the stands rise and cheer. That’s pretty cool. There are a lot of them again tonight.
An anemic "Ja-vy, Ja-vy" chant starts. It’s as though the presence of real fans makes the Braves fans have to do stuff.
Carlos blows away Javy.
Only one ball was hit hard, and on the whole, Carlos looks much better than Hampton.
This is a good thing.
Plus, our switch hitting pitcher is leading off the second.
After one, it’s 2-1 Cubs.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 6:35 pm
Carlos gets Lopez to swing at a high fastball for strike three…
Joe Morgan: "I think the Cubs don’t want to be involved in an inning like that again…"
Um, Joe, we scored TWO in that inning.
If we score two runs each inning and have the worst base-running we’ve ever had doing it, I’ll be happy.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 6:36 pm
Does anybody know if Steve Stone will be doing the home games along with Pat and Ron?
I don’t get WGN Radio where I’m at, but I will be in an area where I can get it in Game 3 and 4.
Larry Wayne Jones
on October 1, 2003 at 6:37 pm
Hey, I’ve got two RBI in two games. This is easy. You just get two runners on in front of me and I hit into a double play, then barely beat it (last night I didn’t even do that part right). Talk about productive outs!
Oh, wait…
Ron Santo
on October 1, 2003 at 6:37 pm
"Does anybody know if Steve Stone will be doing the home games with Pat and Ron."
Nooooooooooooooooooooo!
Mattus
on October 1, 2003 at 6:37 pm
We’re already halfway to yesterday’s score, and it’s only been 20 minutes.
Who/whom does a high-scoring game favour?
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 6:39 pm
Zambrano whiffs, the fourth Cub in a row to do that, and here’s Lofton who walked and scored during the Ankiel oubreak in the first.
Why can’t MLB start these games three and a HALF hours apart? Since when can you finish a playoff game in three hours with 50 minutes of commercials in it?
Lofton strikes out. That’s five in a row. Gruddy will put an end to this.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 6:39 pm
We are making Mike Hampton look like Mark Prior all of a sudden.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 6:41 pm
"Lofton strikes out. That’s five in a row. Gruddy will put an end to this." -Andy Dolan.
And this is the expert analysis we pay you for Andy??? :-)
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 6:42 pm
A high scoring game does not favor/favour the Cubs.
Jon Miller on Mike Hampton, "He’s turned this game completely around."
Yeah, that’s why he’s losing.
Gruddy strikes out on a pitch at his shoes. He got two bad calls in that at bat. Well, if Wendelstedt’s going to call pitches like that, the Braves will strike out all 27 Cubs.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 6:42 pm
Actually, it IS what you PAY for.
Mattus
on October 1, 2003 at 6:45 pm
And Gruddy did end it, right?
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 6:45 pm
The wind is blowing in and to the right at Wrigley South tonight…
And that’s a shame, because I thought everything went to the left in Atlanta.
Two Braves up, two down.
Just like in the old days…
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 6:47 pm
I hereby nominate Joe Morgan for the "Most Obvious Analysis Statement in a Baseball Game for 2003" Award.
Everything has been either obvious or dumb from his mouth tonight.
Carlos gets the corner for strike three on The Mullet (Thanks Andy!).
This could be fun if he gets that corner all night. 2-1 Cubs after two.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 6:47 pm
Druw pops to E-ramis in front of the dugout. Miller says the wind blew that ball back onto the field. Don’t quit your day job, Jon.
Fick flies to Moises. Two outs, three pitches. Bad camera work by ESPN. They had the camera on Lofton. He was only about 150 feet away from the ball.
If Carlos walks the Mullet, we’ll get to hear the Anti-Christ go on about what a great hitter Hampton is.
Full count to the Mullet.
Zambrano whiffs the Mullet then stays at the mound to sing, "Anything you can do, I can do better. I can do anything better than you." to Hampton.
After two. Cubs 2, Braves 1
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 6:52 pm
We just had our first Bill Walton sighting of 2003 on DirecTV. I’m not ready for him. Please go away, at least until it snows.
The Anti-Christ just said, "A 2-0 advantage is much better than 1-1."
Sammy singles to left. He eats Hampton for lunch. That’s eight hits in the last ten at bats for Sammy against the overrated little lefty.
The fact that Lofton didn’t score easily on Sammy’s first inning double is mystifying.
Wait, it’s better, Jon Miller says Sammy’s nine for his last 11 against Hampton and six for six this year.
Backwards Joe
on October 1, 2003 at 6:52 pm
Even though he corrected himself in the first inning Joe still thinks that Alou was on base when Sosa hit the double.
Flip the lineup card around Joe!
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 6:52 pm
Two straight hits to start off…
Hampton coming back to earth against Major League Baseball hitters…
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 6:52 pm
Moises singles to the exact same spot that Sammy did. Two on, nobody out.
E-ramis is itching to do some yard work here.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 6:53 pm
How is it possible for E-Ramis to have more homers with the Cubs but almost .030 worse in batting average with the Cubs than the Pirates???
Strange stat there.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 6:55 pm
AC: "When Hampton gets his rhythm he’s good. When he loses it, he’s all over the place."
Isn’t that what rhythm is?
E-ramis strikes out on a terrible pitch.
A blonde with big boobs and a flat stomach stands up to whistle.
Where’s Kerry’s wife when we need her?
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 6:55 pm
How can we not score again??? Will Dusty ever learn to just play for one when the bottom of the lineup is even close to coming up?
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 6:56 pm
Karros hits into a 1-6-3 double play and true to form for the Braves, even when they make a play, they bobble the ball at least once.
Ahh, this is the Cubs offense we’ve grown to know.
Still 2-1 Cubs as we head to the bottom of the third.
Eric Karros
on October 1, 2003 at 6:57 pm
When did I turn into Randall Simon. Take a freaking pitch every now and then.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 6:58 pm
How many runners have we left on bases this series? Thirty?
How we won the first one and are winning here I will never know.
Mattus
on October 1, 2003 at 7:00 pm
They should decide games on Hits rather than Runs for this series.
Eric Karros
on October 1, 2003 at 7:00 pm
Hey, I got there within half a step of the ball…
Shouldn’t I be safe?
Or does Chipper Jones only get that exemption from baseball rules?
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 7:01 pm
Hampton grounds to Zambrano and though he used the glove, I think he mostly caught that ball with his bare hand. Those of you listening on WGN Radio are likely hearing Stone rant about Carlos using his bare hand, again.
Seven in a row retired for Big Z.
Little known fact about the Braves. Even though they won 101 games, they beat the Mets 74 times.
Furcal flies to Moises.
Two dead.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:01 pm
Morgan: "You can control how you do in the playoffs if you play well."
Um, and how is this any different than what we should expect in PLAYOFF BASEBALL?
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 7:04 pm
Mark DeRosa doesn’t have a big hole to hit through this time up. He might as well hang a white flag off his bat.
Gary Miller is back from urinating on Cleveland policemen and says Giles says he’ll play on Friday.
He can do everything but run. Kind of like Eric Karros.
AC: "You can play with pain, but not with injury."
I wish insipid analysis were considered an injury.
Zambrano makes DeRosa look sick on a changeup. Carlos is crusing.
Cubs lead 2-1 on our way to the fourth.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:04 pm
Well, Carlos is through three. That fourth inning’s going to be tough however.
Dennis
on October 1, 2003 at 7:05 pm
Do we really need 4 blades on a razor. Shouldn’t these people cure cancer or at least make a drug that makes women want me.
Gary Miller
on October 1, 2003 at 7:05 pm
Hey, I didn’t pee on the cops on purpose. How was I supposed to know they were way down there on the sidewalk?
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 7:06 pm
Dennis, they do. It’s rohypnol. Call the Raiders clubhouse, ask for Sebastian.
Dennis
on October 1, 2003 at 7:08 pm
Heh, I’m desperate not a criminal.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:08 pm
Jon Miller asks if the Red Sox lose tonight with Pedro on the mound will they be deflated?
I think I should take this one for Joe…
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 7:08 pm
Ramon grounds to the Mullet, and jogs to first. How hard is it to sprint? Especially since the Braves infield boots everything?
3-1 to Miller.
Damian, not Jon.
Ball four.
One on, one out, Carlos is up. Does Dusty bunt, or tell Carlos to double off the wall like Woody?
Miller can score on a triple.
Maybe.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:10 pm
Damian Miller walked. Carlos couldn’t get a good bunt down and Miller’s out at second. Miller showing off his Eric Karros-esque speed there.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 7:11 pm
Carlos’ bunt is too close to the plate and Javy throws Miller out at second. Apparently, Carlos, unlike Ramon, was hustling though, so there’s no double play.
Is this any way to win a pennant?
Lofton grounds to Fick who gets Zambrano at second.
Still 2-1 Cubs.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:12 pm
At least we weren’t supposed to score that inning.
The Red Sox are going to win the ALDS because they have that thing…you know, the thing that scores runs…that gets hits…you know…
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:13 pm
Every team has their defensive replacements…
Where are the Cubs’ offensive replacements?
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:14 pm
How many clutches did Aramis have there?
Nine???
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:17 pm
Two straight hits for the Braves.
One word:
Crap.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 7:17 pm
Sheffield grounds to E-ramis. Jon lets us know that E-ramis made more errors than any other player this year.
Hey, he’s got that going for him, which is nice.
Chipper singles…and is it just me, or does Jon really get excited when the Braves do anything?
I don’t want to sound like a typical paranoid Cubs fan, but I think this is pretty obvious.
Javy is fooled on a pitch and dumps it into right. Jon of course thinks Javy meant to do that. First and third. One out.
Blecch. Jones singles to right. Tie game. 2-2.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:17 pm
Three straight hits for the Braves.
Two words:
Double crap.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 7:18 pm
Mound visit:
Larry Rothchild: Yeah, those last three pitches…don’t do that anymore.
Carlos: I must KILL the Braves.
Bob Fick is up to hit into a double play.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:19 pm
I think Jon knows his precious Giants can’t beat the Cubs… Too bad the Marlins just might do it first.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:20 pm
These guys are obsessing over these swings…
Maybe the Cubs should learn something…
Like not swing at bad pitches.
Dennis
on October 1, 2003 at 7:21 pm
Morgan is an idiot….they are fooled on a slow one and he thinks that are overswinging. Then they hit a fastball and he says they are swinging lightly.
Dennis
on October 1, 2003 at 7:22 pm
2 guys swing at balls out of the zone and they plate a run. With Hampton’s arm about to fall off I feel fine about this game.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 7:22 pm
Fick flies to Moises, nobody advances.
Miller is blaming the wind. Since the ball landed about 50 feet short of the wall, I’d say it probably didn’t matter.
Two out.
Jon Miller: "Vinny chased a high hard one there."
Jim Edmonds at home: "Oooh."
On that last pitch, Miller blocked a pitch in the dirt and about the same time he picked it up, the umpire, Hunter Wendelstedt threw a new ball to Carlos.
Carlos whiffs the mullet. And (every hokey, bad, radio play-by-play guy ever) we’re right back where we started from.
Two to two.
Huh?
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:23 pm
Well, Vinny looked bad on strike three… Really, all the hits looked bad.
We are tied at 2, but the part of the offense that actually tries to do something is coming up.
We might need to bring Kerry in sometime this inning. Or Prior. Or Doug Glanville. OK, forget Glanville.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:25 pm
Bobby Valentine… Couldn’t he be in the booth?
I’m seriously reconsidering my strong dislike for Chip Caray after listening to ESPN for just four innings.
Grudzielanek gets out on the first grounder Furcal has handled cleanly since May.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 7:26 pm
Creepy Bobby Valentine thinks Hampton will go six and a third. Huh? I don’t think so.
Gruddy grounds to short. One out.
How gay is the guy with the ivy on his shirt making a very obvious masturbatory arm motion to his mouth and yelling Sam-mee!
I need a shower now.
Ewwwwww.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:27 pm
Sammy walks…
Now if Moises can just get a hung cut fastball, it’ll be 4 to 2.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 7:29 pm
Sammy walks.
The Anti-Christ is beating this "overswinging" thing to death. When the Braves go the other way (at least tonight) it’s because Carlos fools them.
Just shut up. Don’t you have a gig at a hotel bar to go do your Lou Rawls impersonator act?
Terry Pendelton: worst NL MVP, ever.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:29 pm
The ESPN guys blaming Javy Lopez for not getting their Braves the lead last inning.
Come on it’s called objectivity.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 7:31 pm
Moises takes ball three. K-zone shows it was a ball.
Sammy almost gets picked off.
Guh.
Hampton walks Alou on a really outside pitch.
OK, E-ramis. Do something big fella.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:31 pm
How many runs will we get this inning? I guess zero.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:32 pm
Hampton’s pitch count at 84. Feels like 284.
E-Ramis gets Sammy to third.
Two outs for Karros.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 7:33 pm
Sammy tags on a E-ramis fly to right. Two outs, runners at first and third.
Oh, for a little Karros heroic.
Karros cranks one that hits Fick, who scrambles to it and flips to Hampton for the force.
Another scoring chance wasted.
Still tied at two. On our way to the bottom of the fifth.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:33 pm
Karros hits it a ton and it hits Robert Fick right in the chest and he gets the third out.
I’m sure the ESPN guys will pound us with the fielding fundamentals the Braves’ fielding coach gives them in fielding practice next half inning.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:36 pm
This Cubs’ offense is putting shame to the word pathetic…
Is there a word in the dictionary that would accurately describe this offense right now?
Ramon Martinez decides not to dive and gives Mike Hampton a hit. Come on get off your feet…
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:37 pm
Zambrano in another jam… This just feels like a Dave Veres/Mark Guthrie game doesn’t it boys and girls?
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:39 pm
My god… Aramis needs a map and the nagging passenger to find first base right now…
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 7:39 pm
Hampton bloops one that Ramon Martinez can’t track down. I’m not going to say that Alex would have caught it.
But he would have.
Furcal bunts. Miller would have Hampton at second, but he fell down trying to pick up the ball and then he almost didn’t throw out Furcal. One out.
The AC thinks that the Braves are "using all their weapons."
Why has no one mentioned that if Miller picks that up cleanly Furcal’s bunt fails?
DeRosa is flailing anemically.
AC is playing athletic trainer, he thinks Giles won’t play on Friday. Whatever.
DeRosa grounds to E-ramis who tries to make an error, but Karros saves him. E-ramis has forgotten how to throw the ball again.
Make it stop.
Hampton still at second.
joe morgan
on October 1, 2003 at 7:39 pm
My partner keeps talking about jerking it
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:40 pm
Sheffield hits one so hard Aramis doesn’t have a chance to throw it away to blow the lead. This might be a good thing.
Mattus
on October 1, 2003 at 7:40 pm
What is the Hit score?
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 7:41 pm
E-ramis takes one off the chest.
They gave Sheffield a hit. But it was right at him. That’s an error.
First and third, two out. Couldn’t he at least have kept Hampton at second?
Zambrano falls behind 3-1 to Chipper.
Gulp.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:43 pm
Carlos comes through.
Now, if we can just find some offense anywhere on the 25-man roster, we’ll be fine.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 7:43 pm
Carlos neuters Chipper on a 3-2 pitch. The camera man thinks Moises is in center again, but in the corner of our screen we see Moises safely catch the flyball for the third out.
Phew.
We’re off to the sixth, and it’s time for the Cubs to get a couple runs.
Still tied at two.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:44 pm
Statement time:
The 2003 Cubs may be the best worst team ever to play in baseball’s postseason.
Dave B
on October 1, 2003 at 7:44 pm
Get Simon in at first.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 7:47 pm
Martinez hits a little chopper that Hampton fields and makes a bad throw. Fick had to dive for it, yet the first base ump called Martinez out.
There’s no way.
The replay shows it wasn’t even close. Fick had to push off the bag to even get to the ball.
The Cubs get hosed.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:48 pm
See what happens when you dive Ramon?
1998 Cubs
on October 1, 2003 at 7:48 pm
No, that was us.
2000 White Sox
on October 1, 2003 at 7:48 pm
Or us.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:49 pm
Damian Miller goes 3-0 and can’t draw a walk off of it.
Where’s Joe Girardi when you need him? At least you knew he sucked.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 7:50 pm
Miller whiffs and he’s been completely clueless tonight. He was ahead 3-0 and swung at ball four twice.
Zambrano whiffs.
After six. Still tied.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:54 pm
Scary… This game very well could see Will Cunnane, Ray King, Dave Veres, and Mark Guthrie…
And let’s not forget Alfonseca.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:55 pm
DIVE FOR THE FREAKING BALL RAMON!!! Get Alex in there before I throw the remote through the TV.
Mattus
on October 1, 2003 at 7:55 pm
So much for a high-scoring game.
2-2, going to be a tense finish coming up.
Tense? How about a Teepee finish?
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 7:55 pm
Javy hits a foul pop that the wind blows into the stands. Then he singles.
Joe is babbling on about how the Cubs don’t have anybody who can hit and the Braves are unstoppable.
And more nonsense about Javy "going with the pitch." Seriously, he gets paid for this crap?
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:56 pm
Well, at least Aramis can catch the ball.
Dennis
on October 1, 2003 at 7:56 pm
Morgan is driving me crazy. He has been making the same stupid point for four innings now. Javy just got a hit on a ball down the middle. Swing speed has nothing to do it.
Also, someone get the cement shoes off Ramon. he is the slowest defensive replacement on the planet.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 7:57 pm
Druw pops to E-ramis. E-ramis is solid on the pop-ups at least.
Mark Guthrie is up in the bullpen.
Be afraid. Be very afraid.
Dennis
on October 1, 2003 at 7:59 pm
Giles and his aching front crack is striding to the plate.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 7:59 pm
Castilla gets a hit, and Marcus Giles is going to pinch hit for Hampton… Hopefully he can hit a chopper to Aramis so we can figure out how many times he can clutch before throwing it over to first.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 8:00 pm
Fick hits a foul pop to Miller.
Two out.
The ESPN graphics guy is showing impressive stats on the Cubs to try and get Joe to say something nice about the Cubs.
The Mullet dumps one in front of Lofton. But, this might be a favor for the Cubs. Hampton is being taken down, and Marcus Giles, on one leg is going to pinch hit.
If you get Giles out, you get to take your hacks of somebody new (Cunnane?) next inning.
Rothchild to the mound.
Larry: Don’t give up a homer.
Carlos: I must KILL Marcus Giles!
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 8:00 pm
Antonio Alfonseca now up in the bullpen. Be even more afraid.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 8:01 pm
Marcus Giles puts down the hammer. Single to left, 3-2 Braves.
Why don’t we just fly up to Chicago now and end the agony?
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 8:01 pm
Giles singles, and Alou’s throw is incredibly late. 3-2 Braves. Just don’t give up any more and we’ll be fine.
Really.
Won’t we?
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 8:04 pm
Bobby Cox just sent in a position player, Darren Bragg to run for Giles. He really knows how to utilize a bench, don’t he?
Furcal hits Zambrano with a liner and it rolls into foul territory to load the bases.
I think it’s time for a reliever, but if there is one, it’s going to be Alfonseca. Ewww.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 8:04 pm
That sounded like it hit bone…
But, anyway, now’s the time for El Pulpo to blow it completely.
El Pulpo
on October 1, 2003 at 8:04 pm
Don’t worry, I’m here to save the day!
I can put it out of reach right here!
Dennis
on October 1, 2003 at 8:06 pm
Alf has six fingers, but the catcher only needs one to call the game. I bet he throws fastballs low and in to the righties.
Dennis
on October 1, 2003 at 8:07 pm
Sir Tightpants to the mound!!
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 8:07 pm
Oooh, tricky.
Dusty’s smart. He went to the Farns, since he could say Zambrano got knocked out with an injury. So Farns got to warm up as long as he wanted.
You’re right, Andy. Jon Miller is far more animated when it comes to the Braves doing well. It’s definitely not Cubs-fan paranoia.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 8:28 pm
If the Cubs had any sembalance of a major league offense this game would’ve been decided by 8 PM CT.
Unbelievable.
Dennis
on October 1, 2003 at 8:28 pm
If two batters reach then, Sammy will come up again. This game is by no means over.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 8:28 pm
Let’s get this straight? John Smoltz has a bad elbow, so the Braves are going to make him pitch two innings?
And Dusty’s the one who abuses pitchers?
Sure.
JK
on October 1, 2003 at 8:29 pm
Holy shit!! what a play.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 8:29 pm
Smoltz warming up in Atlanta bullpen. In case anybody was wondering, I have now learned how to crap my pants without going to the bathroom…
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 8:30 pm
Great play by E-ramis, diving to his left (in fact I think the ball caught him), nice pick by Karros and there’s one out.
Sheffield hammered that. He’s got to stop hitting them at E, though.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 8:30 pm
The sad thing is the first base umpire actually got one right for once tonight.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 8:30 pm
Great play by E-ramis, diving to his left (in fact I think the ball caught him), nice pick by Karros and there’s one out.
Sheffield hammered that. He’s got to stop hitting them at E, though.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 8:31 pm
Ramon finally makes a play… Way to go, considering you’ve only cost us two so far tonight… Geez.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 8:32 pm
Chipper chops one off the plate, Jon Miller thinks Grudzielanek is playing shortstop (who’s playing second then, Mike Lansing?), and Ramon throws Larry Wayne out easily.
Two out.
John Smoltz' Elbow
on October 1, 2003 at 8:32 pm
I am willing to go two, but then John has to buy me a new sling!
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 8:33 pm
Quit throwing the freaking breaking balls Farnsworth.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 8:33 pm
Does Damian Miller EVER appeal check swings?
Looked to me like Javy swung at ball one.
Reason number 14773 why Greg Maddux hates Javy. Your catcher should never bitch at the ump about balls and strikes when he’s hitting.
Ramon is playing Javy too low and Javy singles to left.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 8:35 pm
Nice shot of Bobby yelling at Javy for dogging it to first. That’s reason number 147774. It’s also the reason why you can hit 43 homers one year the Braves won’t re-sign you.
Druw grounds to short.
Smoltz is coming in, and he might be good for the eighth, but I’ll be the ninth gets sticky.
Muahahahahahahahahaha!
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 8:35 pm
Inning over. The AAA Iowa portion of our lineup coming up after Karros, who is due up second.
Either we’ll score four runs off Smoltz or he’ll get us six up and six down. There isn’t a lot of in-between.
JK
on October 1, 2003 at 8:35 pm
Smoltz is coming in, I would say take some pitches… but I always forget we swing at everything.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 8:36 pm
My guess in the eighth.
Karros
Ramon
Simon for Miller if anybody gets on.
Augie
on October 1, 2003 at 8:37 pm
See, this is why I should be on the playoff roster! I’d light this hump up!
How horrible are the latest Little Debbie commercials? Has anyone noticed this?
LaRussa
on October 1, 2003 at 8:38 pm
A triple switch would work here….
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 8:38 pm
If Julio Franco is your defensive replacement (Bob Fick), it’s official. You suck.
Oh, check my lineup. E-ramis first. That’s even better.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 8:39 pm
E-ramis pops to right and DeRosa runs into Sheffield, but Gary catches it. Good thing because E-ramis was busy trying to plant his bat into the grass in foul territory.
JK
on October 1, 2003 at 8:40 pm
Looks like Smoltz is back… damn him.
Erik karros' Bat
on October 1, 2003 at 8:40 pm
Am I really slower than Erik’s legs?
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 8:41 pm
Glad to see we still suck.
But Karros giving an inspired effort… Simon coming up for Martinez.
JK
on October 1, 2003 at 8:42 pm
I love how karros can battle w/ smoltz but can’t put the ball in play w/ the bases loaded.
Erik Karros' Bat
on October 1, 2003 at 8:42 pm
yup, looks like it’s a fact.
Jayson Stark
on October 1, 2003 at 8:43 pm
i should interview glanville again
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 8:43 pm
Karros fouls off about six pitches and singles to left. Randall Simon will hit for Alex.
How about Randall Simon for unlikely guy with a game winning homer?
Randall! I promise to never make sausage jokes ever again.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 8:44 pm
Hey Jayson, he’s at first.
Wait…no, he’s at third now. Simon nails a shot off Smoltz’s glove and into center. First and third, one out. Tying run at third and it’s…Ramon.
Eww.
Mattus
on October 1, 2003 at 8:45 pm
[hand up]
Troy O'Leary
on October 1, 2003 at 8:45 pm
I’m here to prove that I am Ireland’s greatest hero!!!!
Howard Cosell
on October 1, 2003 at 8:45 pm
(channeling thru AC) "Look at that monkey run’
JK
on October 1, 2003 at 8:45 pm
I’ll live w/ that… great call by batting goodwin… he would have been a tough double play.
Troy O'Leary
on October 1, 2003 at 8:46 pm
ok, i’m on the bench to prove that I’m Ireland’s greatest hero!!!!
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 8:46 pm
Tie game… Who knew it took Tom Goodwin coming in to score again?
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 8:47 pm
Tom Goodwin is going to pinch hit for Ramon, and Jon Miller smells a squeeze.
Goodwin flies to center. Glanville tags and scores. Simon pretends it’s little league and tries to go to second to force the throw to be cut off. But Glanville would have scored easily anyway.
Regardless, the tying run scores before the third out and we go to the top of the ninth tied at three.
Only, now Dave Veres is coming in?
Oh, my.
The worst part of Randall’s baserunning is that it makes one more guy have to reach to get Sammy or eventually Moises up in the ninth.
Either way, Karros’ at bat seemed to gas Smoltz.
Muahahahahahahahaha!
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 8:48 pm
This one’s going a while now I think. Corey Patterson’s ACL will be all healed by the time this one may end…
AC
on October 1, 2003 at 8:52 pm
You all may think i am stupid, but how much are you making watching this game?
MaHaHAHA
Mattus
on October 1, 2003 at 8:52 pm
Clutch finish, just what we ordered.
This has the vibe of a dirty, scrappy game. They’re the key if you want to win on the road.
Momentum, it’s all about momentum…
TD
on October 1, 2003 at 8:52 pm
Morgan just pointed out that Smoltz has a helmet on so that means he will hit. Really Joe? Maybe he is just a fan of Jon Olerud, or maybe he’s scared of getting hit with a foul ball.
Dumb ass…
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 8:52 pm
Did Julio Franco just show bunt?
Really? Is it turn back the clock night?
To 1927?
Miller is complaining that Dusty used his whole bench in the eighth.
Hey, what are we doing playing for the 14th inning?
Besides, after O’Leary you’ve got two other pinch hitters.
Messrs. Wood and Prior.
Franco grounds to E-ramis who makes another adventurous throw.
Wait, it’s pronounced Kew-nayn, not koo-nah-nee? That’s no fun.
JK
on October 1, 2003 at 8:52 pm
An ex cards pitcher pitching in the playoffs, not a good thing… prove me wrong veres.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 8:53 pm
Veres is throwing like 40 miles an hour. This just means more grounders to Big E at third.
Hold me.
AC
on October 1, 2003 at 8:54 pm
I really know my baseball – if your #9 hitter makes the last out of an inning, your leadoff man will lead off the next inning (and you think I am dumb)….
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 8:55 pm
Aramis hasn’t made a good throw all playoffs…
TD
on October 1, 2003 at 8:55 pm
Veres has "57" on his glove.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 8:55 pm
Veres is trying to walk the Mullet. The Mullet does not seem to want to let him.
If he does though, they might pinch hit for Smoltz.
Hmm.
We’ll find out. Veres finally walked him.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 8:57 pm
I think the 57 is for Alfonseca..in case he dies in his hotel tonight.
Smoltz will hit, and bunt.
Veres buzzes him.
Hee hee.
Veres buzzes him again. Don’t walk the pitcher, moron.
Mound visit:
Rothchild: Hey, so now you can throw a high fastball? You could have struck the Mullet out with one of those, you know.
Veres: DK 57, Baby!
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 8:58 pm
Mark Prior putting some batting gloves on…
The Franchise
on October 1, 2003 at 8:58 pm
Notice OLeary went into the clubhouse and I’m putting on batting gloves in the dugout.
Dennis
on October 1, 2003 at 8:58 pm
Anyone know why Alex is not batting ninth with the pitcher coming in for Glanville?
I am baffled by this.
alex gonzalez
on October 1, 2003 at 9:00 pm
Dusty told me its because I haven’t had a hit since before the all-star game…
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 9:00 pm
Smoltz fouls off a bunt and it’s 2-2.
ESPN shows Prior putting batting gloves on. They think he’s going to pinch hit. He might take that big hooded sweatshirt off, first.
They’re trying to give Veres an out and he won’t take it.
Smoltz bunts, and he’s out first to second. The mullet goes to second.
Two outs, Furcal is up.
Veres has nothing to throw Furcal. They’re going to walk him and pitch to Mark DeRosa.
This would be a good spot for Cox to use Darren Bragg. Oops. He pinch ran him back in the fifth.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 9:01 pm
Why is Veres still in this game?
Mark Prior
on October 1, 2003 at 9:03 pm
After I homer, I’m ganna fish this game off, then pitch a shutout on Friday.
geeze
on October 1, 2003 at 9:05 pm
Why didn’t Alou run after that ball?
Oh… he was….
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 9:05 pm
Whatever the 1-2 pitch was from Veres it was SIXTY-FOUR miles an hour. And DeRosa was late on it.
Yikes.
DeRosa hits another meatball for a double, both runs score.
Moises looked like he was running on a StairMaster after that thing.
5-3 Braves.
Booo!
JK
on October 1, 2003 at 9:05 pm
Where the hell was alou playing???? God bless.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 9:06 pm
No reason Dusty should have had Veres in there… No reason… Dusty proves once again he is a shady in-game manager.
Well, Andy, thank you for distracting me from my Geology homework. I appreciate it.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 9:16 pm
Nice job Dusty…
Sprinkle that dust over Dave Veres and get something in his eyes so he can’t pitch the rest of the series.
Terrible decision Dusty… Terrible.
B.C.
on October 1, 2003 at 9:17 pm
THAT was the epitome of dumb.
Andy
on October 1, 2003 at 9:17 pm
Well, the Cubs botched that by only getting two runs in the first inning when Hampton was trying to implode.
The good news, Friday night’s starter is Mark Prior. That’s always good news. If the Cubs take care of business on Friday, they can end it all on Saturday.
I’m gleefully optimistic.
They needed a split in Atlanta and got it.
They’re using the Bulls championship formula. Start on the road, steal game one, then kill off the opponent at home.
Hello again, everybody. While the Marlins and Giants battle on and on in their mildly entertaining battle, the Cubs and Braves are getting ready for game two of their series.
If you just crawled out from under a rock, the Cubs are leading the series one game to none.
Tonight it’s Desipio Love Child Carlos Zambrano against the man the Marlins are paying to pitch for the Braves, even though he never pitched for the Marlins, Mike Hampton. Huh?
Good afternoon all.
What’s your prediction for today, mate?
Apparently, Desipio is not "in" Chicago. So we have not been sent to the Cubs game yet on ESPN. Pat Hughes and Steve Stone will guide us through the first inning.
Just like the old days. Perhaps the way it was ought-eight.
Though I think it was the WGN Radio team of Jack Brickhouse and Albert Pujols back then.
Lofton walks to open the game.
Gail Fisher says he’s on base half the time.
You know, the times when he gets a walk or a hit. As opposed to the time he doesn’t.
Huh?
Tonight’s prediction is Cubs 6, Braves 3.
Hopefully it will be Cubs 16, Braves 0.
Six pitches and Hampton has yet to throw a start.
Stone says Hampton has a football player’s mentality. Is this Mike or Dan Hampton?
He’s doing his Rick Ankiel impersonation and it’s 3-0 to Gruddy.
Ball eight.
Two on, nobody out.
Apparently Arlington, VA is not "in" Chicago either. Isn’t this situation what espn2 is for? At least moreso than a special about the womens soccer team.
Somebody needs to tell ESPN that Chris Berman is a FOOTBALL PRE-GAME SHOW ANCHOR…
Geesh.
Wow, that was a GREAT finish to that SF/FLA game, wasn’t it?
Just read at ESPN.com that Zambrano said yesterday "I don’t feel anything in my arm". Is that good?
ChC – 6
Atl – 5
Sammy is drooling as he comes to home plate. But Hampton won’t throw him a strike either.
Ball nine.
Finally, a strike.
SAMMY!
Hughes thought he homered, apparently it hit the top of the fence. Lofton scores after almost being nailed at the plate. 1-0 Cubs.
Gruddy’s at third, Sosa’s at second.
Leo Mazzone is out to review Hampton’s performance.
It won’t take long.
Mazzone: You suck.
Hampton: Yup.
Cubs score a run… Although I’m still confused.
The SF/FLA announcers are brutal. Why does Sut feel the need to always ask Gwynn stupid questions.
Sut: Hey Tony, you remember all the groupies in San Diego.
Gwynn: Yeah, you are right.
Nothing like nine innings of comments like that.
OK, the rule book says the yellow line is top of the fence. If the ball hits the yellow it’s in play.
Sammy hit a double.
Normally Sammy’s homers in Turner Field land in Macon. Next time he won’t take the chance.
Alou’s up with two on and nobody out.
Oh joy. Jon Miller and the Anti-Christ.
Alou grounds to third. Gruddy hesitated and went home. The Mullet throws home, but Gruddy is
SAFE!!!
2-0 Cubs.
The Anti-Christ says the Cubs have "done everything wrong, but they’re in control."
Huh?
Shut up, Joe.
I think Grudzy was safe on that one.
The replay shows that home plate ump Hunter Wendlestedt was right. Two-zip Cubs. Runners at first and second. Nobody out. Here’s E-ramis.
E-ramis singles and loads the bases.
I think Sammy should have scored on that.
Can’t any Cubs score from second on a single with less than two outs?
I mean Steve Lyons probably still thinks Kerry Wood can.
At least Karros makes a good Gap model.
Shouldn’t we be taking until Hampton proves he can make two straight strikes?
Will Cunnane is up in the bullpen.
Hee hee.
If you are wondering, Will Cunnane is English for Antonio Alfonseca.
And, he’s the ugliest former Cub-ever.
Karros whiffs on a terrible pitch. Have you been watching, Eric?
One out.
Looking good, lads.
How do you spell ‘momemtum’. (apart from just like that)…
Momentum?
Either stop swinging or swing guys… Come on.
I also agree Sosa should have scored on that… waving wendel
Only the Cubs can score 2 runs in an inning and it be a dissapointment.
Now suddenly, the Cubs are swinging at everything. Sigh.
O-2 to Ramon Martinez.
0-3 to Martinez.
Two out.
Damian Miller needs a hit here.
But he looks like he’d like to strike out, too.
The Anti-Christ thinks Hampton has it all together now. Sure, Joe.
Well, maybe he has. Miller strikes out.
The Cubs score
one
two, and lead it 2-0. Carlos is on his way to the mound to "Kill the Braves" and he’s already got two runs to work with.
Alas, Will Cunnane will have to wait one more inning at least.
Has anybody mentioned yet that the bottom of our lineup is putrid??? My god…
What’s up with all the empty seats? How pathetic.
That’s why God invented Pitchers.
Zambrano pitches like a stud all year and the last 2 weeks he has went down hill… this scares me.
It took me three minutes to mention Zambrano’s emotions. Nothing like reading the morning papers. I might mention a goat sometime this evening as well.
Way to go Jon Miller… I believe that’s called a jinx you bum…
I have this bad feeling C-Zam is only going to last four innings…
Somebody help!
And why does Nelly use the tomahawk chop in his latest song anyway? Don’t the Cardinals have a rally cry he can use?
Did I say four innings?
How about two?
We need a K bad here Carlos.
Furcal was 0-9 lifetime against Carlos. He’s 1-10 with a single, now.
Carlos better not start that, I’ll just throw my fastball slower so it’ll be a strike crap.
Mark DeRosa is at second tonight for Marcus Giles.
DeRosa grounds one through the hole between Karros and Gruddy. Furcal to third.
Yikes.
Double play now!! Lets go Cubbies.
Big out on Sheffield there Carlos. A groundball anywhere at an infielder on the right side of the infield and it’s a double play…
Unless that grounder is hit slower than Moises Alou.
2-1 now…
"Jirations" Joe? Come on…
Sheffield pops to E-ramis in foul ground. This would be a nice time for Larry Wayne to tap one to shortstop.
If velocity is any indication, Carlos’ back must feel pretty good, he’s hitting 98 consistently.
Instead, Larry Wayne grounds to Grudzielanek. They get DeRosa at second, but Furcal scores. Two outs. It’s 2-1 Cubs.
Carlos made too good of a pitch, Chipper didn’t hit hard enough.
Will somebody please tell Jon Miller to stop using those dang statistics?
Killing me here…
Javy gets two strikes on him and the Cubs fans in the stands rise and cheer. That’s pretty cool. There are a lot of them again tonight.
An anemic "Ja-vy, Ja-vy" chant starts. It’s as though the presence of real fans makes the Braves fans have to do stuff.
Carlos blows away Javy.
Only one ball was hit hard, and on the whole, Carlos looks much better than Hampton.
This is a good thing.
Plus, our switch hitting pitcher is leading off the second.
After one, it’s 2-1 Cubs.
Carlos gets Lopez to swing at a high fastball for strike three…
Joe Morgan: "I think the Cubs don’t want to be involved in an inning like that again…"
Um, Joe, we scored TWO in that inning.
If we score two runs each inning and have the worst base-running we’ve ever had doing it, I’ll be happy.
Does anybody know if Steve Stone will be doing the home games along with Pat and Ron?
I don’t get WGN Radio where I’m at, but I will be in an area where I can get it in Game 3 and 4.
Hey, I’ve got two RBI in two games. This is easy. You just get two runners on in front of me and I hit into a double play, then barely beat it (last night I didn’t even do that part right). Talk about productive outs!
Oh, wait…
"Does anybody know if Steve Stone will be doing the home games with Pat and Ron."
Nooooooooooooooooooooo!
We’re already halfway to yesterday’s score, and it’s only been 20 minutes.
Who/whom does a high-scoring game favour?
Zambrano whiffs, the fourth Cub in a row to do that, and here’s Lofton who walked and scored during the Ankiel oubreak in the first.
Why can’t MLB start these games three and a HALF hours apart? Since when can you finish a playoff game in three hours with 50 minutes of commercials in it?
Lofton strikes out. That’s five in a row. Gruddy will put an end to this.
We are making Mike Hampton look like Mark Prior all of a sudden.
"Lofton strikes out. That’s five in a row. Gruddy will put an end to this." -Andy Dolan.
And this is the expert analysis we pay you for Andy??? :-)
A high scoring game does not favor/favour the Cubs.
Jon Miller on Mike Hampton, "He’s turned this game completely around."
Yeah, that’s why he’s losing.
Gruddy strikes out on a pitch at his shoes. He got two bad calls in that at bat. Well, if Wendelstedt’s going to call pitches like that, the Braves will strike out all 27 Cubs.
Actually, it IS what you PAY for.
And Gruddy did end it, right?
The wind is blowing in and to the right at Wrigley South tonight…
And that’s a shame, because I thought everything went to the left in Atlanta.
Two Braves up, two down.
Just like in the old days…
I hereby nominate Joe Morgan for the "Most Obvious Analysis Statement in a Baseball Game for 2003" Award.
Everything has been either obvious or dumb from his mouth tonight.
Carlos gets the corner for strike three on The Mullet (Thanks Andy!).
This could be fun if he gets that corner all night. 2-1 Cubs after two.
Druw pops to E-ramis in front of the dugout. Miller says the wind blew that ball back onto the field. Don’t quit your day job, Jon.
Fick flies to Moises. Two outs, three pitches. Bad camera work by ESPN. They had the camera on Lofton. He was only about 150 feet away from the ball.
If Carlos walks the Mullet, we’ll get to hear the Anti-Christ go on about what a great hitter Hampton is.
Full count to the Mullet.
Zambrano whiffs the Mullet then stays at the mound to sing, "Anything you can do, I can do better. I can do anything better than you." to Hampton.
After two. Cubs 2, Braves 1
We just had our first Bill Walton sighting of 2003 on DirecTV. I’m not ready for him. Please go away, at least until it snows.
The Anti-Christ just said, "A 2-0 advantage is much better than 1-1."
Sammy singles to left. He eats Hampton for lunch. That’s eight hits in the last ten at bats for Sammy against the overrated little lefty.
The fact that Lofton didn’t score easily on Sammy’s first inning double is mystifying.
Wait, it’s better, Jon Miller says Sammy’s nine for his last 11 against Hampton and six for six this year.
Even though he corrected himself in the first inning Joe still thinks that Alou was on base when Sosa hit the double.
Flip the lineup card around Joe!
Two straight hits to start off…
Hampton coming back to earth against Major League Baseball hitters…
Moises singles to the exact same spot that Sammy did. Two on, nobody out.
E-ramis is itching to do some yard work here.
How is it possible for E-Ramis to have more homers with the Cubs but almost .030 worse in batting average with the Cubs than the Pirates???
Strange stat there.
AC: "When Hampton gets his rhythm he’s good. When he loses it, he’s all over the place."
Isn’t that what rhythm is?
E-ramis strikes out on a terrible pitch.
A blonde with big boobs and a flat stomach stands up to whistle.
Where’s Kerry’s wife when we need her?
How can we not score again??? Will Dusty ever learn to just play for one when the bottom of the lineup is even close to coming up?
Karros hits into a 1-6-3 double play and true to form for the Braves, even when they make a play, they bobble the ball at least once.
Ahh, this is the Cubs offense we’ve grown to know.
Still 2-1 Cubs as we head to the bottom of the third.
When did I turn into Randall Simon. Take a freaking pitch every now and then.
How many runners have we left on bases this series? Thirty?
How we won the first one and are winning here I will never know.
They should decide games on Hits rather than Runs for this series.
Hey, I got there within half a step of the ball…
Shouldn’t I be safe?
Or does Chipper Jones only get that exemption from baseball rules?
Hampton grounds to Zambrano and though he used the glove, I think he mostly caught that ball with his bare hand. Those of you listening on WGN Radio are likely hearing Stone rant about Carlos using his bare hand, again.
Seven in a row retired for Big Z.
Little known fact about the Braves. Even though they won 101 games, they beat the Mets 74 times.
Furcal flies to Moises.
Two dead.
Morgan: "You can control how you do in the playoffs if you play well."
Um, and how is this any different than what we should expect in PLAYOFF BASEBALL?
Mark DeRosa doesn’t have a big hole to hit through this time up. He might as well hang a white flag off his bat.
Gary Miller is back from urinating on Cleveland policemen and says Giles says he’ll play on Friday.
He can do everything but run. Kind of like Eric Karros.
AC: "You can play with pain, but not with injury."
I wish insipid analysis were considered an injury.
Zambrano makes DeRosa look sick on a changeup. Carlos is crusing.
Cubs lead 2-1 on our way to the fourth.
Well, Carlos is through three. That fourth inning’s going to be tough however.
Do we really need 4 blades on a razor. Shouldn’t these people cure cancer or at least make a drug that makes women want me.
Hey, I didn’t pee on the cops on purpose. How was I supposed to know they were way down there on the sidewalk?
Dennis, they do. It’s rohypnol. Call the Raiders clubhouse, ask for Sebastian.
Heh, I’m desperate not a criminal.
Jon Miller asks if the Red Sox lose tonight with Pedro on the mound will they be deflated?
I think I should take this one for Joe…
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ramon grounds to the Mullet, and jogs to first. How hard is it to sprint? Especially since the Braves infield boots everything?
3-1 to Miller.
Damian, not Jon.
Ball four.
One on, one out, Carlos is up. Does Dusty bunt, or tell Carlos to double off the wall like Woody?
Miller can score on a triple.
Maybe.
Damian Miller walked. Carlos couldn’t get a good bunt down and Miller’s out at second. Miller showing off his Eric Karros-esque speed there.
Carlos’ bunt is too close to the plate and Javy throws Miller out at second. Apparently, Carlos, unlike Ramon, was hustling though, so there’s no double play.
Is this any way to win a pennant?
Lofton grounds to Fick who gets Zambrano at second.
Still 2-1 Cubs.
At least we weren’t supposed to score that inning.
The Red Sox are going to win the ALDS because they have that thing…you know, the thing that scores runs…that gets hits…you know…
Every team has their defensive replacements…
Where are the Cubs’ offensive replacements?
How many clutches did Aramis have there?
Nine???
Two straight hits for the Braves.
One word:
Crap.
Sheffield grounds to E-ramis. Jon lets us know that E-ramis made more errors than any other player this year.
Hey, he’s got that going for him, which is nice.
Chipper singles…and is it just me, or does Jon really get excited when the Braves do anything?
I don’t want to sound like a typical paranoid Cubs fan, but I think this is pretty obvious.
Javy is fooled on a pitch and dumps it into right. Jon of course thinks Javy meant to do that. First and third. One out.
Blecch. Jones singles to right. Tie game. 2-2.
Three straight hits for the Braves.
Two words:
Double crap.
Mound visit:
Larry Rothchild: Yeah, those last three pitches…don’t do that anymore.
Carlos: I must KILL the Braves.
Bob Fick is up to hit into a double play.
I think Jon knows his precious Giants can’t beat the Cubs… Too bad the Marlins just might do it first.
These guys are obsessing over these swings…
Maybe the Cubs should learn something…
Like not swing at bad pitches.
Morgan is an idiot….they are fooled on a slow one and he thinks that are overswinging. Then they hit a fastball and he says they are swinging lightly.
2 guys swing at balls out of the zone and they plate a run. With Hampton’s arm about to fall off I feel fine about this game.
Fick flies to Moises, nobody advances.
Miller is blaming the wind. Since the ball landed about 50 feet short of the wall, I’d say it probably didn’t matter.
Two out.
Jon Miller: "Vinny chased a high hard one there."
Jim Edmonds at home: "Oooh."
On that last pitch, Miller blocked a pitch in the dirt and about the same time he picked it up, the umpire, Hunter Wendelstedt threw a new ball to Carlos.
Carlos whiffs the mullet. And (every hokey, bad, radio play-by-play guy ever) we’re right back where we started from.
Two to two.
Huh?
Well, Vinny looked bad on strike three… Really, all the hits looked bad.
We are tied at 2, but the part of the offense that actually tries to do something is coming up.
We might need to bring Kerry in sometime this inning. Or Prior. Or Doug Glanville. OK, forget Glanville.
Bobby Valentine… Couldn’t he be in the booth?
I’m seriously reconsidering my strong dislike for Chip Caray after listening to ESPN for just four innings.
Grudzielanek gets out on the first grounder Furcal has handled cleanly since May.
Creepy Bobby Valentine thinks Hampton will go six and a third. Huh? I don’t think so.
Gruddy grounds to short. One out.
How gay is the guy with the ivy on his shirt making a very obvious masturbatory arm motion to his mouth and yelling Sam-mee!
I need a shower now.
Ewwwwww.
Sammy walks…
Now if Moises can just get a hung cut fastball, it’ll be 4 to 2.
Sammy walks.
The Anti-Christ is beating this "overswinging" thing to death. When the Braves go the other way (at least tonight) it’s because Carlos fools them.
Just shut up. Don’t you have a gig at a hotel bar to go do your Lou Rawls impersonator act?
Terry Pendelton: worst NL MVP, ever.
The ESPN guys blaming Javy Lopez for not getting their Braves the lead last inning.
Come on it’s called objectivity.
Moises takes ball three. K-zone shows it was a ball.
Sammy almost gets picked off.
Guh.
Hampton walks Alou on a really outside pitch.
OK, E-ramis. Do something big fella.
How many runs will we get this inning? I guess zero.
Hampton’s pitch count at 84. Feels like 284.
E-Ramis gets Sammy to third.
Two outs for Karros.
Sammy tags on a E-ramis fly to right. Two outs, runners at first and third.
Oh, for a little Karros heroic.
Karros cranks one that hits Fick, who scrambles to it and flips to Hampton for the force.
Another scoring chance wasted.
Still tied at two. On our way to the bottom of the fifth.
Karros hits it a ton and it hits Robert Fick right in the chest and he gets the third out.
I’m sure the ESPN guys will pound us with the fielding fundamentals the Braves’ fielding coach gives them in fielding practice next half inning.
This Cubs’ offense is putting shame to the word pathetic…
Is there a word in the dictionary that would accurately describe this offense right now?
Ramon Martinez decides not to dive and gives Mike Hampton a hit. Come on get off your feet…
Zambrano in another jam… This just feels like a Dave Veres/Mark Guthrie game doesn’t it boys and girls?
My god… Aramis needs a map and the nagging passenger to find first base right now…
Hampton bloops one that Ramon Martinez can’t track down. I’m not going to say that Alex would have caught it.
But he would have.
Furcal bunts. Miller would have Hampton at second, but he fell down trying to pick up the ball and then he almost didn’t throw out Furcal. One out.
The AC thinks that the Braves are "using all their weapons."
Why has no one mentioned that if Miller picks that up cleanly Furcal’s bunt fails?
DeRosa is flailing anemically.
AC is playing athletic trainer, he thinks Giles won’t play on Friday. Whatever.
DeRosa grounds to E-ramis who tries to make an error, but Karros saves him. E-ramis has forgotten how to throw the ball again.
Make it stop.
Hampton still at second.
My partner keeps talking about jerking it
Sheffield hits one so hard Aramis doesn’t have a chance to throw it away to blow the lead. This might be a good thing.
What is the Hit score?
E-ramis takes one off the chest.
They gave Sheffield a hit. But it was right at him. That’s an error.
First and third, two out. Couldn’t he at least have kept Hampton at second?
Zambrano falls behind 3-1 to Chipper.
Gulp.
Carlos comes through.
Now, if we can just find some offense anywhere on the 25-man roster, we’ll be fine.
Carlos neuters Chipper on a 3-2 pitch. The camera man thinks Moises is in center again, but in the corner of our screen we see Moises safely catch the flyball for the third out.
Phew.
We’re off to the sixth, and it’s time for the Cubs to get a couple runs.
Still tied at two.
Statement time:
The 2003 Cubs may be the best worst team ever to play in baseball’s postseason.
Get Simon in at first.
Martinez hits a little chopper that Hampton fields and makes a bad throw. Fick had to dive for it, yet the first base ump called Martinez out.
There’s no way.
The replay shows it wasn’t even close. Fick had to push off the bag to even get to the ball.
The Cubs get hosed.
See what happens when you dive Ramon?
No, that was us.
Or us.
Damian Miller goes 3-0 and can’t draw a walk off of it.
Where’s Joe Girardi when you need him? At least you knew he sucked.
Miller whiffs and he’s been completely clueless tonight. He was ahead 3-0 and swung at ball four twice.
Zambrano whiffs.
After six. Still tied.
Scary… This game very well could see Will Cunnane, Ray King, Dave Veres, and Mark Guthrie…
And let’s not forget Alfonseca.
DIVE FOR THE FREAKING BALL RAMON!!! Get Alex in there before I throw the remote through the TV.
So much for a high-scoring game.
2-2, going to be a tense finish coming up.
Tense? How about a Teepee finish?
Javy hits a foul pop that the wind blows into the stands. Then he singles.
Joe is babbling on about how the Cubs don’t have anybody who can hit and the Braves are unstoppable.
And more nonsense about Javy "going with the pitch." Seriously, he gets paid for this crap?
Well, at least Aramis can catch the ball.
Morgan is driving me crazy. He has been making the same stupid point for four innings now. Javy just got a hit on a ball down the middle. Swing speed has nothing to do it.
Also, someone get the cement shoes off Ramon. he is the slowest defensive replacement on the planet.
Druw pops to E-ramis. E-ramis is solid on the pop-ups at least.
Mark Guthrie is up in the bullpen.
Be afraid. Be very afraid.
Giles and his aching front crack is striding to the plate.
Castilla gets a hit, and Marcus Giles is going to pinch hit for Hampton… Hopefully he can hit a chopper to Aramis so we can figure out how many times he can clutch before throwing it over to first.
Fick hits a foul pop to Miller.
Two out.
The ESPN graphics guy is showing impressive stats on the Cubs to try and get Joe to say something nice about the Cubs.
The Mullet dumps one in front of Lofton. But, this might be a favor for the Cubs. Hampton is being taken down, and Marcus Giles, on one leg is going to pinch hit.
If you get Giles out, you get to take your hacks of somebody new (Cunnane?) next inning.
Rothchild to the mound.
Larry: Don’t give up a homer.
Carlos: I must KILL Marcus Giles!
Antonio Alfonseca now up in the bullpen. Be even more afraid.
Marcus Giles puts down the hammer. Single to left, 3-2 Braves.
Why don’t we just fly up to Chicago now and end the agony?
Giles singles, and Alou’s throw is incredibly late. 3-2 Braves. Just don’t give up any more and we’ll be fine.
Really.
Won’t we?
Bobby Cox just sent in a position player, Darren Bragg to run for Giles. He really knows how to utilize a bench, don’t he?
Furcal hits Zambrano with a liner and it rolls into foul territory to load the bases.
I think it’s time for a reliever, but if there is one, it’s going to be Alfonseca. Ewww.
That sounded like it hit bone…
But, anyway, now’s the time for El Pulpo to blow it completely.
Don’t worry, I’m here to save the day!
I can put it out of reach right here!
Alf has six fingers, but the catcher only needs one to call the game. I bet he throws fastballs low and in to the righties.
Sir Tightpants to the mound!!
Oooh, tricky.
Dusty’s smart. He went to the Farns, since he could say Zambrano got knocked out with an injury. So Farns got to warm up as long as he wanted.
Crafty.
Farnsy coming in instead of Alf.
Who knows how this will work.
Believe it or not fact #45284: Kyle Farnsworth is Mormon.
This game was lost in the top of the first. Karros sucks.
I haven’t been mentioned this much since "Webster"
Why is he throwing breaking balls???
FARNS!!!
Keeps us in the game. With a normal offense, I’d be confident.
DeRosa pops in foul ground and like Javy before him, he lucks out as the wind blows it into the stands.
Farns drops the hammer for strike three.
The Cubs get out of it. The Braves are into their bullpen and even though it’s 3-2 Atlanta. Things are looking up.
To the seventh.
Andy, time for some predictions… cubs did well last night when you started making predictions.
Mariam, if your Farns trivia is correct, we can expect lots of wives and lots of dumb little Farnsies running around.
I’m scared for humanity.
Ray King is in to start the Cubs victory rally.
It’s the top of the order. The Cubs will leave this inning with the lead.
Ray King? It’s now or never…
It’s former Cub Ray King! Only slightly better than former Cub Felix Heredia…
Lofton walks.
Lofton walks… King threw a fastball right at Kenny’s, um, head.
Mmmmmm….now I can eat….
The great Kevin Grybowski is coming in. Wow, how many pitchers can Cox use tonight?
Well, if Sammy has somebody on for him, I think it’s about time he gets it over the line don’t you?
Here’s one to chew on (in honor of Ray King’s corpulence).
Has any player ever played for the Cubs AND Brewers and been worth a damn after that?
Quite a list of recent guys:
King
Matt Stairs (hitting 20 homers for the 2003 Pirates does not count)
Jose Jerkoff
EY
Tyler Houston
Soon Brooks Kieschnick and Paul Bako will join the ranks, too.
I’ve got your grybowski right here
If we can get this to Will Cunnane, the runs will come in droves.
Guh.
Gruddy hits into a double play.
Is ANYBODY clutch on this team???
my honey is!
AC doesn’t think Sammy’s as patient as Barry.
Uh, nobody is as patient as Barry.
Sammy uh…walks. How’s that for patience.
Somebody please go bludgeon the AC to death.
Joe Morgan makes me miss Chip…
Moises whiffs.
Still 3-2 as we go to the bottom of the seventh.
Alou strikes out… Me thinks John Smoltz will be appearing in the top of the eighth.
Am I the only one that realized after a first inning like that, that we would lose this game??? Damn it.
Confidence. Not over-confidence. But quiet, healthy, productive confidence.
No big delays, please.
You’re right, Andy. Jon Miller is far more animated when it comes to the Braves doing well. It’s definitely not Cubs-fan paranoia.
If the Cubs had any sembalance of a major league offense this game would’ve been decided by 8 PM CT.
Unbelievable.
If two batters reach then, Sammy will come up again. This game is by no means over.
Let’s get this straight? John Smoltz has a bad elbow, so the Braves are going to make him pitch two innings?
And Dusty’s the one who abuses pitchers?
Sure.
Holy shit!! what a play.
Smoltz warming up in Atlanta bullpen. In case anybody was wondering, I have now learned how to crap my pants without going to the bathroom…
Great play by E-ramis, diving to his left (in fact I think the ball caught him), nice pick by Karros and there’s one out.
Sheffield hammered that. He’s got to stop hitting them at E, though.
The sad thing is the first base umpire actually got one right for once tonight.
Great play by E-ramis, diving to his left (in fact I think the ball caught him), nice pick by Karros and there’s one out.
Sheffield hammered that. He’s got to stop hitting them at E, though.
Ramon finally makes a play… Way to go, considering you’ve only cost us two so far tonight… Geez.
Chipper chops one off the plate, Jon Miller thinks Grudzielanek is playing shortstop (who’s playing second then, Mike Lansing?), and Ramon throws Larry Wayne out easily.
Two out.
I am willing to go two, but then John has to buy me a new sling!
Quit throwing the freaking breaking balls Farnsworth.
Does Damian Miller EVER appeal check swings?
Looked to me like Javy swung at ball one.
Reason number 14773 why Greg Maddux hates Javy. Your catcher should never bitch at the ump about balls and strikes when he’s hitting.
Ramon is playing Javy too low and Javy singles to left.
Nice shot of Bobby yelling at Javy for dogging it to first. That’s reason number 147774. It’s also the reason why you can hit 43 homers one year the Braves won’t re-sign you.
Druw grounds to short.
Smoltz is coming in, and he might be good for the eighth, but I’ll be the ninth gets sticky.
Muahahahahahahahahaha!
Inning over. The AAA Iowa portion of our lineup coming up after Karros, who is due up second.
Either we’ll score four runs off Smoltz or he’ll get us six up and six down. There isn’t a lot of in-between.
Smoltz is coming in, I would say take some pitches… but I always forget we swing at everything.
My guess in the eighth.
Karros
Ramon
Simon for Miller if anybody gets on.
See, this is why I should be on the playoff roster! I’d light this hump up!
How horrible are the latest Little Debbie commercials? Has anyone noticed this?
A triple switch would work here….
If Julio Franco is your defensive replacement (Bob Fick), it’s official. You suck.
Oh, check my lineup. E-ramis first. That’s even better.
E-ramis pops to right and DeRosa runs into Sheffield, but Gary catches it. Good thing because E-ramis was busy trying to plant his bat into the grass in foul territory.
Looks like Smoltz is back… damn him.
Am I really slower than Erik’s legs?
Glad to see we still suck.
But Karros giving an inspired effort… Simon coming up for Martinez.
I love how karros can battle w/ smoltz but can’t put the ball in play w/ the bases loaded.
yup, looks like it’s a fact.
i should interview glanville again
Karros fouls off about six pitches and singles to left. Randall Simon will hit for Alex.
How about Randall Simon for unlikely guy with a game winning homer?
Who’s with me?
But not when i eliminate all of smoltz’s pitches.
I’m the tying run and I am at THIRD!!!
Randall! I promise to never make sausage jokes ever again.
Hey Jayson, he’s at first.
Wait…no, he’s at third now. Simon nails a shot off Smoltz’s glove and into center. First and third, one out. Tying run at third and it’s…Ramon.
Eww.
[hand up]
I’m here to prove that I am Ireland’s greatest hero!!!!
(channeling thru AC) "Look at that monkey run’
I’ll live w/ that… great call by batting goodwin… he would have been a tough double play.
ok, i’m on the bench to prove that I’m Ireland’s greatest hero!!!!
Tie game… Who knew it took Tom Goodwin coming in to score again?
Tom Goodwin is going to pinch hit for Ramon, and Jon Miller smells a squeeze.
Goodwin flies to center. Glanville tags and scores. Simon pretends it’s little league and tries to go to second to force the throw to be cut off. But Glanville would have scored easily anyway.
Regardless, the tying run scores before the third out and we go to the top of the ninth tied at three.
Only, now Dave Veres is coming in?
Oh, my.
The worst part of Randall’s baserunning is that it makes one more guy have to reach to get Sammy or eventually Moises up in the ninth.
Either way, Karros’ at bat seemed to gas Smoltz.
Muahahahahahahahaha!
This one’s going a while now I think. Corey Patterson’s ACL will be all healed by the time this one may end…
You all may think i am stupid, but how much are you making watching this game?
MaHaHAHA
Clutch finish, just what we ordered.
This has the vibe of a dirty, scrappy game. They’re the key if you want to win on the road.
Momentum, it’s all about momentum…
Morgan just pointed out that Smoltz has a helmet on so that means he will hit. Really Joe? Maybe he is just a fan of Jon Olerud, or maybe he’s scared of getting hit with a foul ball.
Dumb ass…
Did Julio Franco just show bunt?
Really? Is it turn back the clock night?
To 1927?
Miller is complaining that Dusty used his whole bench in the eighth.
Hey, what are we doing playing for the 14th inning?
Besides, after O’Leary you’ve got two other pinch hitters.
Messrs. Wood and Prior.
Franco grounds to E-ramis who makes another adventurous throw.
One out.
The Mullet is up.
Wait, it’s pronounced Kew-nayn, not koo-nah-nee? That’s no fun.
An ex cards pitcher pitching in the playoffs, not a good thing… prove me wrong veres.
Veres is throwing like 40 miles an hour. This just means more grounders to Big E at third.
Hold me.
I really know my baseball – if your #9 hitter makes the last out of an inning, your leadoff man will lead off the next inning (and you think I am dumb)….
Aramis hasn’t made a good throw all playoffs…
Veres has "57" on his glove.
Veres is trying to walk the Mullet. The Mullet does not seem to want to let him.
If he does though, they might pinch hit for Smoltz.
Hmm.
We’ll find out. Veres finally walked him.
I think the 57 is for Alfonseca..in case he dies in his hotel tonight.
Smoltz will hit, and bunt.
Veres buzzes him.
Hee hee.
Veres buzzes him again. Don’t walk the pitcher, moron.
Mound visit:
Rothchild: Hey, so now you can throw a high fastball? You could have struck the Mullet out with one of those, you know.
Veres: DK 57, Baby!
Mark Prior putting some batting gloves on…
Notice OLeary went into the clubhouse and I’m putting on batting gloves in the dugout.
Anyone know why Alex is not batting ninth with the pitcher coming in for Glanville?
I am baffled by this.
Dusty told me its because I haven’t had a hit since before the all-star game…
Smoltz fouls off a bunt and it’s 2-2.
ESPN shows Prior putting batting gloves on. They think he’s going to pinch hit. He might take that big hooded sweatshirt off, first.
They’re trying to give Veres an out and he won’t take it.
Smoltz bunts, and he’s out first to second. The mullet goes to second.
Two outs, Furcal is up.
Veres has nothing to throw Furcal. They’re going to walk him and pitch to Mark DeRosa.
This would be a good spot for Cox to use Darren Bragg. Oops. He pinch ran him back in the fifth.
Why is Veres still in this game?
After I homer, I’m ganna fish this game off, then pitch a shutout on Friday.
Why didn’t Alou run after that ball?
Oh… he was….
Whatever the 1-2 pitch was from Veres it was SIXTY-FOUR miles an hour. And DeRosa was late on it.
Yikes.
DeRosa hits another meatball for a double, both runs score.
Moises looked like he was running on a StairMaster after that thing.
5-3 Braves.
Booo!
Where the hell was alou playing???? God bless.
No reason Dusty should have had Veres in there… No reason… Dusty proves once again he is a shady in-game manager.
Mark Prior is HOT. I bet the girls in Chicago love him.
So Veres can get Gary Sheffield to pop up, but not Mark DeRosa?
I am without speech.
Top nine, Braves 5, Cubs 3.
But Smoltz isn’t exactly doing his Eric Gagne impersonation tonight. Hang in there.
I can give up 2 runs, can I be in the Bullpen?
Thank God for picture-in-picture. Boston will beat Oakland, mark my words.
In memory of DK, Veres was trying to throw all his pitches 57mph.
Dear god, if I ever needed you this is it.
At least Dusty should’ve had somebody that doesn’t suck in there for the game that could’ve shut Atlanta’s door completely.
Thats the same ball Derosa hit, if only Alou was in left field.
Where is Darren Baker? I haven’t filled my cuteness quota today.
Troy O’Leary pinch hits for the great Dave Veres.
Smoltz is throwing hard, but not accurately.
You can actually hear his ligaments tearing.
3-0.
Then, the top of the order.
Troy buddy, you DO NOT have the green light. Repeat. You DO NOT have the green light.
Ball four is called strike one. Nice strike zone.
Come on, we need to get Will Cunnane in this game.
Troy takes strike two.
O’Leary flies to Larry Wayne.
Lofton needs to get on here to get Sammy a shot at an at bat.
I’ll blame that on myself, shouldn’t have put Veres in.
Lofton grounds to second. It’s up to Gruddy now.
He pops to Furcal and the Braves win.
If Randall Simon’s running adventure did anything, it cost Sammy a certain chance to bat in the ninth.
the totals
Braves, five runs, 13 hits
Cubs three runs, six hits. Six hits? Yikes.
And the series is tied.
Dusty does some great things, but also does some dumb things.
Well, Andy, thank you for distracting me from my Geology homework. I appreciate it.
Nice job Dusty…
Sprinkle that dust over Dave Veres and get something in his eyes so he can’t pitch the rest of the series.
Terrible decision Dusty… Terrible.
THAT was the epitome of dumb.
Well, the Cubs botched that by only getting two runs in the first inning when Hampton was trying to implode.
The good news, Friday night’s starter is Mark Prior. That’s always good news. If the Cubs take care of business on Friday, they can end it all on Saturday.
I’m gleefully optimistic.
They needed a split in Atlanta and got it.
They’re using the Bulls championship formula. Start on the road, steal game one, then kill off the opponent at home.
Don’t turn off your TVs yet…champinship jump-roping on the Deuce!
At least now I know my afternoon plans for Saturday. They’ll look strangely like my Friday night plans – lots of good quality time in section 415.
Work banishes those three great evils, boredom, vice and poverty. by free online poker