It didn't take the Cubs long to get over the hangover from the Venezuelan game, as they plated 2 runs, in the top of the first inning, on consecutive singles by Tom Maney, Randy Craft, Mike Girard, and Dave Mitchell. The Yanks got right back with two runs in the bottom of the inning, as they showed why they won the title in 2010. The Yanks took a 3-2 lead, in the bottom of the 3rd inning, with two singles and a walk. The Cubs would not stay down long as they scored two runs in the top of the 4th inning. Mike Girard led off the inning with a single. Dave Mitchell sent Girard 270 feet, when he tripled for the second time on the day. Ron Lochner followed with a single that scored Mitchell and gave the Cubs the lead for good (4-3). The Cubs would add all of the insurance that they would need with 3 more runs in the top of the 5th inning. With one out, Mike Ferraro and Jim McQuade would work back-to-back walks. Tim Brown (running for Mike Ferraro) stole third and McQuade followed to second, The Yanks pitcher got a ground out that did not score a run, but Randy Craft singled scoring Brown and McQuade. After Craft stole second, Girard plated him on an error by the Yanks third baseman. With the score 7-3, Phil "Mash" Gadomski settled in and held the Yanks scoreless in innings 4 through 8. In those 5 innings Mash scattered 4 singles and a walk, while inducing 2 double plays. ed Martin came on in the ninth inning to close out the game. The Cubbies defense and timely hitting were the difference in this one. With a 2-1 record, the Cubs have nearly assured their spot in the playoffs. Now they will go to work on trying to secure one of the 4 first round byes. Next up a Stadium game against the 2-0 South Atlanta Twins.
grinding it out. sorry to hear about Shawn. Always gives all out effort. maybe some pinch running?
In looking at your schedule and the records and remaining match-ups....If you win tomorrow vs Atlanta and against the S. Side Shock you'd get the division 3- 1st place slot. Only the Professors from South America can best you if they also run the table. A bye get you one game rest, saves pitcher, and you play a team that just played a game, perhaps the best advantage of the bye. (how many make playoffs? )
enjoy the stadium game, and keep those bats going!. Jreel.
mike - nice write-ups, and you're right, that first game was a doosy; i wish i'd seen it despite the ending. but to top the defending champs in the next game is great for your spirits and your spot in the standings.
if there's a "hit anything" drink, dave mitchell must be downing it, with mike ferraro and ralph caputo chugging close seconds. actually, almost all the cubs' hitters appear to be imbibing that power drink.
it's good news, too, to see that your starters, ron, jonny, and phil, can go long distances with relievers filling in nicely.
typically, john reel has a good view of the strategy. i wish you all luck.
Yes John, we have a good chance to get a bye. After day two, the Capital District Cubs are in 3rd Place of 17 teams. Of the teams that have played 3 games, we are in second place. 12 teams make the playoffs and the top 4 records get a bye in the first round. If the Cubs can sweep the final two games and keep the runs against to a minimum, we should land one of those byes! Our schedule is favorable, as we are playing two teams that will be playing the second game of a double header, and both teams will be playing Venezuela in game one of their doubleheaders.
Good luck Cubbies from the FL West Coast Hobbs guys. You have one of the strongest clubs ever from Albany making an impression like we knew you would. Enjoy reading your successes.
