The Cubs played small ball in the bottom of the sixth inning to push across the go-ahead run, and Chris Dunn shut down the Padres offense, in the 6th and 7th innings to put the Cubbies into the 35+ Semi-finals, with a 6-5 victory.

It didn't look like the game was going to be so exciting through the first four innings as the Cubs had built a 5-1 lead, scoring 3 times in the first and twice in the third, while allowing only a single run in the first to the Padres. However, The Padres were not yet ready to be done for the year, as they rallied for 4 runs in the top of the 5th to tie it at 5. The Cubs helped the Dads out with 3 errors in the inning. The Padres made the situation more tense by getting the Cubs' 5-6-7 hitters in order in the bottom of the 5th. That left just two innings to decide which team would advance and which team would go home.

Chris Dunn came on in relief for the Cubs and got the Padres out without a threat in the top of the 6th, striking out two. The Cubs got a lead off walk by Jon Martin to start their half of the 6th. Ron Massaroni pinch ran for Martin, and was immediately sacrificed to second, on a perfect bunt by TJ Scorsone. Shawn Maney singled to center, but Massaroni stopped at third as the Padres got the ball back to the infield in a hurry. Randy Craft plated the go-ahead run, when the Padres were unable to turn a double play on his grounder.
Dunn's dominance continued in the 7th and the Cubs were able to escape with a 6-5 victory.

The Cubs will face the Yankees in the semi-finals starting on Monday night, at Rogowicz field in Cook Park, in Colonie.

Congrats to the Padres on a great series and a fine season.