"Big Game" Ron Massaroni pitched a gem when his team needed it the most. With the Cubs facing a sweep by the Yankees in the Finals, Ron threw 7 incredible innings, giving up no runs on 4 singles, 1 walk, and 2 hit batters, while striking out 2. He also fielded his position flawlessly. He snared 3 hot line drives through the box, that looked ear marked for singles up the middle. He gave up just one single in the 1st; 1 in the 2nd; and 2 in the 4th. He then got the last 9 Yankees in order, over the last 3 innings. Only 3 Yankees reached as far as second base all game. Wow! Just what the doctor ordered for a Cubs team that played their only poor game of the year, in game 1.
Ron was not alone in his "Big Game" performance. He got some stellar defensive support from his infield, outfield, and catcher. No errors from this group with their backs against the wall, partly because their defense played so poorly in the opening game. This is definitely one of the best bounce back games that I have ever been a part of!
The Cubs offense was kick started right off the bat, in the top of the first inning, when Carlos Espada tripled down the right field line and scored one out later, on a Chris Dunn sacrifice fly to center. 1-0 Cubs after 1 inning.
The Cubs would not score again until the top of the 4th inning. Dunn led off the inning with a single. Mike Girard followed with a single, and as Dunn beat the throw to 3rd, Girard alertly followed him to second, barely beating the throw back to second. One out later, Mike Reutter came through with a huge 2-out, 2-RBI single. 3-0 Cubs after 4.
The Cubs picked up a run in the 6th. Girard got the rally going with a 2-out double. Jerry Rosen then stroked a clutch hit for a 2-out RBI. 4-0 Cubs after 6 innings.
The final Cubs' runs came in the 7th. A smoking hot hitter, PJ Martone, got the ball rolling with a single to lead off the inning. Jim Bonaparte laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to move Martone into scoring position. Paul Miles then hit a sinking liner to center that fell in front of a hard charging Carlos Llera. Llera's effort caused Martone to stay at second, as it was a tough read whether or not Carlos would catch the ball. Espada then grounded out to second, but it was a very productive out as both runners moved into scoring position. Bryce Cutler was the next Cub to come through in the clutch as he followed with a 2-out, 2-RBI single to make the score 6-0.
The Cubs enjoyed the cooler session after the game, as they now can attain the goal that they have had all season. Repeat as champions and enjoy the final cooler session of the year, long into the night. There is still a big roadblock to attaining that goal. These Yankees will not go down easy. They will have their two top pitchers ready to go in the final and they are the team that has handed the Cubs their only two losses this year. The Cubs have also had some injuries down the stretch, with none being more critical than Chris Dunn pulling a calf muscle chasing down a long fly ball by Bob Altobelli in the 6th inning last night. This will be the true test of a Champion. The team that wins will have very much earned the Trophy!
The deciding game in this championship series will take place on Thursday night, at the A-Diamond, at 7:00 pm, weather permitting. The back-up in case of a weather postponement will be Friday, also at the A-Diamond, also at 7:00 pm. Miss this one at your own risk! It very well could be an "Instant Classic". Hope to see you all out there one more time!
