The Cubs and A's squared off at Central Babe Ruth Thursday night in an important game, with the two teams entering the game just one game apart in the standings.
The A's got one run in each of the first 4 innings to take a 4-2 lead into the bottom of the fourth. That is when the game would turn in the Cubs favor.
After a lead-off ground out, the Cubs would get an infield single by Mike Girard, a double by Andy Hoyle, and a walk by Steve Lounello to load the bases. With two strikes on him, Dave Mitchell would tie the game at 4 with a clutch double. Tom Maney followed with a walk to reload the bases with one out. Sean Maney would then hit a hard grounder right at the shortstop, who fielded it cleanly, but forgot that there was only one out and took his time and throw to first. The throw sailed wide of first and two runs would score, making it 6-4. Phil Gadomski then walked, to again load the bases. Jim McQuade then flew out to center and the A's worked a perfect relay to catch a Cubs runner off of second to end the inning.
Now with a lead for the first time, Cubs' starter Phil Gadomski, would get the next 6 A's batters in order. He struggled through the first 4 innings, giving up 10 hits and 4 runs, but when his team gave him the lead, he was lights out. That is why he has his pitching record at 5-0. Can you say MVP?!
The Cubs would get an insurance run in the bottom of the fifth on a two out single by Randy Craft, followed by an RBI single (a double for anyone else) into the right field corner by Ron Lochner. Mike Girard would follow with a long drive over the center fielder's head but was thrown out (on a great throw by the A's centerfielder) at second before the 8th run could score.
Jon Martin came on in the top of the seventh and closed out the game with a 1-2-3 inning, for the save.
Kevin Golden and Mike Hicks each had two hits for the A's
These two teams square off again on Saturday morning at New Scotland, and it should be another hotly contested game.

-- Edited by mgirard11 on Saturday 9th of July 2011 08:09:14 AM