Friday, October 03, 2003

Cubs Take 2-1 Series Lead

I start writing this before the game is over, but Jim Hendry's moves to get Aramis Ramirez, Kenny Lofton and Randall Simon payoff in this game. They were all over the place. Kenny stealing a base, Randall driving in two in the first with two outs and Aramis getting an insurance run in the 8th. All these moves paid off.

One of the biggest surprises is the aggressiveness of the Cub baserunners. When Alou steals a base you know they are putting the pressure on the Braves.

Not Sure how this is going to play out, but Prior comes out for the 9th. I am going to do a game log of the Top of the 9th.

10:22 Fick up. 1-0 on a fastball outside. 2-0 now. Prior needs to go after him. Vinny the Cub Killer on deck. Fouled out of play 2-1 now he is at 132 pitches. Popped up. Cubs Win Cubs Win Cubs WIn.

10:20 A. Jones up now as the tying run. Fouls the first pitch off. 0-2 to on a High Fastball.
A nasty pitch to strike out Jones.

10:18 p.m. 1-1 to start Javy Lopez. Strike 2 on the outside corner. Lopez reaches on a WP Strike out. That is twice this series that has happened.

10:13 p.m. Starts him off 1-1, but Borowski is still up. A nasty pitch to move to 1-2. Last time a Cub pitcher pitched a complete game in the Playoffs was 1945. Wild on the 2-2 pitch so 3-2. Chipper grounds to Gonzo, who had a tough time getting handle, but he gets the out.