May 11, 2008...11:53 pm
Game 37
- Sunday May 11th – Wrigley Field
- Cubs 6 – D-Backs 4
- Record (22-15) – 1st place in the NL Central
- Season-high 10-game homestand – (3-0)
The skinny: I can’t remember the last time I was thrilled about a rain delay. Although, because I had to work early this morning I was all about the game being pushed back one hour.
Of course, I’m willing to give up a more convenient start time for an on-time CTA train. And, come to think of it, I can’t remember the last time that happened either.
I followed the first couple of innings over the internet at work. My spirit sank after seeing a 4-2 D-Backs lead in the fifth and a “C. Fox” listed as the Cubs’ pitcher.
What happened to big Z, it’s the fifth inning and he’s already out of the game? Plus, Arizona only has four runs. This can’t be right. Maybe it’s Carlos’ control problems or the frigid weather? Oh no, not an injury, please not an injury.
I left work in the middle of the sixth still not knowing what was going on with Carlos but aware the Cubs were still trailing 4-2.
Then, I arrive at the El station and realized I didn’t have any money left on my CTA card. No big deal, I know where to purchase one about two blocks away; I’ll be home by the eighth inning.
Needless to say, I was without a radio today because of the Canadian-like Cyclone that is hanging over Chicago. So, I managed to get updates on the game from anyone walking the street and wearing a Cubs hat.
Surely, one particular gentleman must have been playing me. After I asked “are the Cubs winning?” he answered: I don’t know; I couldn’t find the game on television. He said this seriously, too.
The Cubs NOT on television. Isn’t that an oxy moron?
Anyway, the trains appeared backed up to Missouri (another Chicago transportation project) so I decided to walk north, forty minutes later I reached the next Red Line platform.
From there I waited another 15 minutes for the next train and finally made it to Addison, after the game was over, of course.
At least, by that time I had bumped into enough street walkers to know the Cubs had eventually tied the game and then won it. And - thanks to a kind lady in a white Cubs hat - I understood Zambrano was a healthy scratch from today’s contest. Thank heavan.
I walked around the ballpark on my way home and passed the players’ exit near left field. I bet there were nearly 300 Cubs fans waiting for the players to head out to the parking lot.
I stopped at the gate too. About 15 kids, no more the seven years old, waited impatiently for the players.
A few moments after I stop, Fukudome strolls out of the Wrigley Field door and into the lot. The fans desperately want autographs, they start chanting: Fu-Ku-Dome! [Five hand claps] Fu-Ku-Dome!
Doesn’t work. Kosuke jumps into a black sports car and speeds off hidden behind darkly tinted windows.
I can’t blame the guy for not stopping to sign. It’s freezing outside, and the crowd would absolutely mob him if he even neared the fence.
I’m through as well. My usual 15 minute commute home from work has turned into a two hour fiasco.
Nonetheless, it’s a perfect start to the season’s longest homestand. The Cubs battled against one of the better squads in the National League and came out on top in all three occasions.
The pitching was solid, as was the defense and the team rallied from behind in all three games. Seriously, the only downside to the weekend was the crappy weather.
That being said, the good news is Zambrano has been pushed back until tomorrow and Lilly and Dempster get to round out the San Diego series. Good news, indeed.
Also, let’s not overlook the fact Chicago outscored the D-Backs, the league leader in runs scored, by nine runs during the series (16-7). Another good sign for Chicago because the Padres can’t score 16 runs in a month.
And more, with St. Louis losing against Milwaukee, the Cubs move into a fist place tie with the Cardinals.
There’s not too much bad news from the weekend, so I’ll deal with Chad Fox’s walks later. As for now, I’m looking forward to watching the game from the couch tomorrow, CTA willing.
W: Marmol (1-0) – Wood (7)
L: Pena (0-1)
- Notes: The Cubs now lead the league in runs scored with 211.
- After starting the season 0-14 off the bench, Daryl Ward delived a game-tying hit yesterday and the game-winner this afternoon with his picnch-hit two-run double in the eighth.
- Reed Johnson’s game –tying home run in the seenth inning was his forst dinger of the year.
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