Most of the Cubs players found out the sad news regarding Steve Lounello's mother passing as they arrived at the ball park on Saturday morning. What was previously just a routine regular season game with the Yankees, became a tribute to a Mom from her beloved son. Steve made a request from Cubs manager, Jim McQuade, that he be the starting pitcher. Jim made the announcement to the rest of the team and each and every teammate (one by one) shared their condolences and support for Steve before taking the field. That is what makes being a part of this Cubs team so special: we are not just teammates or friends; we are more like brothers.
The Cubs were up first and, with one out, Steve Lounello stroked a single to right. Mike Girard followed with a home run to left. Steve was the first to greet his teammate at home plate with a high five and a hug, which elicited the response, "That one was for Momma Lou." The Cubs would add another run on a RBI double by Dave Mitchell, to make it 3-0 before Steve took the mound in the bottom of the first. Steve got the first out on a strike out, but Eric Duemler and JJ Janetsky followed with singles. Steve took a deep breath and gathered himself before striking out the Yanks clean-up hitter and getting the last out of the inning on a pop out to third.
That was as close as the Yanks would get to scoring off of Mr. Lounello. They would only get one more single and two more walks the rest of the way. Steve was outstanding (3-hit shut out, with 5 K's) and he got some spectacular plays made behind him by Ron Lochner, Randy Craft, and Dave Mitchell. The Cubs would score 2 more runs in the top of the 4th on a 2-RBI single by Ron Lochner. In the fifth, Steve Lounello added a sixth run driving in Bryce Cutler (who had singled and stolen second) with his second single of the game (2 for 3). The Cubs would close out the scoring, in the top of the 7th, with RBI singles from Dan Mirabile and Tom Shepardson.
This was truly an emotional victory for a band of brothers that were motivated by a strong desire to support one of their own, in his moment of need. Steve's performance was a very special tribute to his Mom. I felt really lucky to be a part of it!
Unreal performance in the midst of the circumstances and to be with the Cubbie brotherhood is about as special as it gets...Congratulations being bittersweet i am sure "Momma Lou" is celebrating your tribute to her with your Cubbie brothers in heaven a fantastic tribute by the guys and with Jim Mac at the helm a fitting way to start the game and for you to go the distance etc is outstanding... The cubbie legacy continues
