The Cubs got a hard earned 2-1 win against the Yankees on Wednesday night to complete their sweep of the best of three semi-final series.
The Yankees got solid pitching from Dave Smitherman: 5-1/3 IP; 2 runs; 7 hits; 0 BB; 1 HBP; and 4 K's and Lex Herlett: 1-2/3 IP; 0 runs; 1 hit; 0 BB; and 1 K.

Their offense however, was unable to solve the Cubs pitching. Ron Massaroni started for the Cubs and went 6 strong innings, allowing just 1 run on 4 hits, 2 walks, and 1 HBP, while striking out 3. Chris Dunn came on to pitch the bottom of the seventh, with a slim 2-1 lead, and struck out the first two Yankee batters and got the final out on a routine fly ball to right.

The Cubs got their first run in the top of the 1st inning on a one-out Bobby Lane single, a stolen base, and a RBI single by Dave Mitchell. The second run came in the top of the 4th inning when Mike Girard was hit by a pitch, leading off the inning. Girard stole second and moved to third on a wild pitch, and Mr. Mitchell then brought him home with a RBI single.

The Yankees responded in the bottom of the 4th inning. Dave Smitherman led off with a single and was balked to second. Paul Post singled him to third. Paul got in a run down trying to steal second and the run scored as the rundown focused on Post. With one out and nobody on, Ed Powell singled and the Yankees looked like they were in business again. Not so fast! Mr. Massaroni got a pop up to third and a tapper out in front of the plate that was easily handled by Cubs catcher, Bryce Cutler and the threat was over. The Yankees never seriously threatened again, as Massaroni and Dunn allowed only one base runner (5th inning, 2-out walk) over the final 3 innings.

With the win the Cubs advance to the 35+ finals for the 4th consecutive year. They await the winner of a "winner-take-all" third game between the Rays and the Dodgers Thursday night at Rogowicz.

The Yankees finished their season with the same class in which they played all year. Congrats on a great season gentlemen!

-- Edited by mgirard11 on Thursday 22nd of August 2013 07:52:28 AM