The Cubs faced one of their bigger challenges of the season, travelling to Gruner to face the always tough Hummnbirds and pitcher Jim Latorre. To make things worse, long-time Hummer Skip Lyons was behind the plate. That's right he was the home plate umpire! The Cubbies chose not to complain, and went about their business.
After a scoreless first inning, the Cubs jumped out on top with two runs in the top of the second on a Phil Gadomski walk, a Joe Cicarelli RBI triple, and a RBI ground out by Ron Massaroni.
The Cubs plated two more runs in the top of the third on a Tom Maney single, a sacrafice bunt by Randy Craft, and singles by Mike Girard and Andy Hoyle.
The Cubs knew that a 4-0 lead against the Hummers in Gruner was nice, but in no way was it safe.
Joe Ciccarelli started the top of the fourth by beating out an infield single. Jim Latorre then beaned Ron Massaroni and TJ Scorsone to load the bases with nobody out. Tom Maney drove in the Cubs fifth run with a fielders choice. Jim Latorre looked like he might wriggle off the hook when he got the next hitter to pop out to the catcher, but a RBI single by Mike Girard and a 2-RBI double by Andy Hoyle made the score 8-0.
You would think that the 8-0 lead was then safe, especially with Ron Massaroni on the bump for the Cubs. He had given up only one two singles through the first four innings, and both of those runners were erased by double plays.
Think again! The Hummers plated 3 runs in the bottom of the fifth on a double, a single, and two walks.
The bottom of the sixth started innocently enough with Massaroni getting the first two hitters to ground out weakly, but the next five Hummnbird batters reached safely. Three singles, followed by two walks brought the score to 8-5 and the bases were still loaded.
Cubs manager, Jim McQuade then called on Phil Gadomski to come on in relief. Tom Bruck promptly hit a laser right at the Cubs third baseman. It was such a laser that Andy Hoyle had no chace to get his glove up in time and two more runs scored to make it a one run game. The first pitch to Don Shultis was a wild pitch and the tying run was moved up to third and the go ahead run to second. Mash didn't panick and looked calm on the outside as he got Shultis to ground the ball slowly to short. Good strategy! That is where Randy Craft was playing, and Randy made a very tough all-out charge and throw to first, just beating the hitter to end the threat. Play of the game!!!
The Cubs were unable to add any insurance in the top of the seventh and the stage was set for a dramatic bottom of the seventh inning. Phil Gadomski had other ideas, as he got the lead off hitter to pop out to third; the second hitter to tap out on a grounder in front of the plate; and the last batter to ground out to second. Game Over! Cubs win 8-7. WHEW!!!



-- Edited by mgirard11 on Thursday 15th of July 2010 08:06:43 AM