The first game was the first 4 innings. During that 4 innings the Pirates (3-8-1) hung with the heavily favored Cubs (8-4). The score after 4 complete innings was Cubs 2 - Pirates 1, with the Pirates threatening in each of the first 3 innings.
The Cubs got two runs in the top of the second. The inning started with back to back doubles by Jerry Rosen and Dave Mitchell. Mitchell's double pushed across the first run of the game. One out later, Mike Girard provided the Cubs with their second run of the game with a RBI single up the middle.
The Pirates answered right back, in the bottom half of the inning, with a run of their own. Ray Meandro singled and stole second. After being wild pitched to third, he scored on a Chuck Stanley RBI single. The score was 2-1 after two innings.
Cubs' starter, Jim Bonaparte, got through the next two innings unscathed, as did Pirates' starter Dana Hanson. The top of the 5th inning started with the Pirates hanging tough, only down a single run, and more than a few tense Cubbies.
Well, game two started in the 5th inning. The Cubs' batting order came alive, knocking in 3 runs in the 5th, 4 runs in the 6th, and one more in the 7th. The 3-run rally in the 5th was highlighted by singles from Paul Miles and Chris Mason, along with Rosen's second double of the game. The 4-run rally in the 6th was powered by walks to Mike Reutter, Rosen, and Bonaparte, along with RBI singles from Mason, Girard, and a RBI double from Miles. A lead off double from Reutter and Jerry Rosen's 3rd RBI double of the game provided the Cubs with their 10th and final run of the game.
The Pirates would plate their second and final run of the game in the 6th on a long double by Jim Denney. The final score was 10-2, but the first 4 innings were very anxious for the Cubs. Jim Bonaparte earned the win, for the Cubs, pitching 6 innings, giving up just 2 runs, while scattering 7 hits. Jerry Rosen ended his perfect night going 4 for 4 with 3 RBI doubles and a walk. Seven different hitters had one hit each for the Pirates, with Rick Knipper and Jim Denney collecting the two extra base hits (doubles).
The Cubs improve to 9-4, with the win. Their next two games will be with the 11-1, first place, Whiz Kids. The Cubbies are looking forward to an entertaining home and home series with the defending champs. Both earlier games this year were very close competitive games. Next Wednesday's game (08/10/22) is at New Scotland, followed by a Tuesday 08/16/22 game at the A-Diamond. If you are not otherwise obligated, come on out and see some highly competitive, well played baseball.
-- Edited by mgirard11 on Wednesday 3rd of August 2022 09:16:17 AM
