April 2, 2008...7:53 pm
Game 1
- Monday March 31st - Wrigley Field
- Brewers 4 - Cubs 3
- Record (0-1) – Last place NL Central
The skinny: There’s nothing in sports like Opening Day, even if it’s cold and rainy outside (44 degrees, overcast).
Before the game, the Cubs unveil a statue of Ernie Banks. “Mr. Cub” spends his entire 19 year playing career in Chicago earning MVP honors in 1958 and 1959 plus, 14 trips to the All Star game. He’s inducted into the HOF in 1971.
The statue is located to the left of the red marquee on Clark and Addison. Everything about the statue looks wonderful except for an unfortunate grammatical error.
Hank Aaron is on hand as a long time friend of Ernie. I think about making the 10 minute walk to the ballpark just to catch a glimpse of The Hammer. However, it’s raining outside and I don’t want to miss the first pitch.
Kosuke Fukudome makes a huge splash by going 3-for-3 at the plate including a game-tying 3-run homer against Eric Gagne in the bottom of the ninth. However, Kerry Wood allows three runs a half-inning earlier and Bob Howry fails to close the door in the 10th.
Carlos Zambrano leaves the game with hand cramps after 6.2 scoreless innings. Big Z is now winless in his last four openers.
W: Eric Gagne (1-0) - S: David Riske (1)
L: Bob Howry (0-1)
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