The Cubs and Americans got a game in on Friday night at Watervliet High School due to the incredible work of Dennis Lane. The field drains well, due to the design and work of Mr. Lane, but the field was very wet on Friday morning. Reports from those that drove by early in the am said that there were puddles around the infield dirt and, with overcast skies predicted for the entire day, with very little wind, it looked like another postponement, but Dennis worked absolute magic, and by game time the field was pristine! Thanks Dennis!!!
The game ended with the Cubs beating the Americans 10 - 2. Jerry Rosen went 4 for 4, with a run scored and a RBI. Mike Girard added 3 doubles in 4 trips to the plate, and Scott Ross and George Schillinger added two hits each. Andy Hoyle made his first career appearance on the mound, and was spectacular, throwing two 1-2-3 innings before giving up two singles and a walk, in his third inning of work. With the bases loaded and nobody out (new to throwing from the stretch), Andy got a pop out to 3rd, and a fly ball to left. George Schillinger made a nice running catch and completed a relay with SS to second for an inning ending double play.
Dave Schillinger and Paul Miles each threw an inning giving up just one run each, and Jim Boneparte closed it out with a scoreless inning.
The Americans were only able to manage 4 hits, with Muller collecting two of them, and Rebhun and Phillips getting the others.
The Cubs improve to 11-1-1, with the win, setting up themselves for a first place finish to the regular season, if they can sweep 3 tough games in the final two weeks. The Dodgers are the opponent this Thursday and tough back to back games with the Giants and Whiz Kids next Wednesday (09/01) and Thursday (09/02). Looking forward to the challenge.