Jon Martin on only two days rest pitched a complete game 3-hitter to propel the Cubs to a semi-final matchup with the number one seed HumminBirds. Jon pitched a masterful game making only one mistake in the fourth inning when Joe Careccia smashed a three-run home run to give the Orioles a 3-1 lead. Cubs answered with a run in the bottom of the inning and then three more in the fifth to take the lead and then added an insurance run in the sixth to secure the victory. Cubs Andy Hoyle went 3-3 with two doubles and three runs scored, Tom Maney was also a perfect 3-3, while Cutler ,Fitzgerald, and Ted Martin all contributed with two hits each. Hats off to the defending Champion Orioles who ran into multiple injuries which derailed their attempt to defend their crown. Cubs join the Marlins, Giants and HumminBirds in the semi-finals of the 37+ division which should prove to be a very interesting last two weeks of the season.
Congrats Cubbies!!! That is one step closer to the "All in the Family" finals that the Marlins are rooting for. No disrespect for the Giants or the Hummers, but a lot of the guys on the Marlins and Cubs have played together and have a lot of history (hell, you can call it friendship). It was a tough time for Mash, Randy, Mitch and myself to see our Cubbies move-up to this division and not be able to join them. We have great friends that we consider family on both sides. We had two fun games during the season and would love to finish the year playing the best two of three finals against them. If that could happen, I would have a great situation where I would be happy no matter who won! Good luck to the Hummers and Giants, but I am personally hoping for a Cubbies - Marlins Finals. The cooler session alone would be legendary for years to come!!!
