Game two of the semi-finals between the Cubs and Whiz ended in just 5 innings last night. After losing to the Whiz 7 straight times (going back to last years' finals), the Cubs got a little revenge.
The game started poorly for the Cubs, as it looked like the same old problems were going to cost them another game. Dave Siriani led off with a slow roller infield single, stole second, was moved to third on an error, and scored as part of a double steal attempt. Cubs' catcher Jerry Rosen gunned down Joey Burns on that attempted steal, but the Whiz had a 1-0 lead. Two more errors and a fielder's choice left runners at first and second with two outs. Cubs' starter Mike Girard induced a lazy fly ball to left, and the rally was over with just one run crossing the plate.
Just like most of game one, the Cubs hit the ball hard, in the bottom of the first, but right at Shawn Martin and Jeff Friedman who made solid plays and the Cubs left the first down 1-0.
The second inning saw the Whiz work two walks and get a wild pitch, to put runners on second and third with one out, but Girard struck out the side to escape with no damage. The bottom half of the inning is where Ron McCarthy's two out 2-RBI double got things going for the Cubs, and Dan Hernandez plated McCarthy with a RBI double of his own. Cubs lead 3-1 after two.
The Whiz got a single and walk in the 3rd, but failed to score when hard hit balls off of the bats of Shawn Martin and Paul Graziano found Cubs' gloves. The Cubs got 3 runs in the 3rd when Miles walked, Girard singled, and Mike Reutter hit an RBI single (but was thrown out trying to get to second). Jerry Rosen followed with a 2-run homer to left, and the Cubs were suddenly up 6-1.
The Whiz were unable to close the gap, in the 4th, and the Cubs added a run on a one out walk to Jim Bonaparte, and two out singles by Ron Massaroni and Paul Miles. The Cubs entered the 5th with a 7-1 lead.
Everyone in the Cubs dugout knew that the Whiz were too good to roll over and quit. There is not one single quitter on that team. Burns led off the 5th with a single and Martin walked. Gene Hallenbeck singled, and one out later Graziano singled and the Whiz had closed to 7-3, with just one out and runners at 1st and 2nd. Girard got a key strike out, and a grounder to short, and the rally was over.
With a 4 run lead, the Cubs were not satisfied. The Whiz had found a way to beat the Cubs 7 straight times, and their starter had thrown a ton of pitches through the first 5 innings. They had to score more runs. We jokingly said let's get 6 runs here and get ready for game 3. Well, it was no joke. Ron Lochner walked and Mike Reutter singled to get the rally started. Rosen hit into a fielder's choice and Mitchell followed with a RBI single. Andy Hoyle singled to reload the bases. Up to the plate came Ron McCarthy, the hottest Cub hitter in the playoffs. He hit a ball that may not have landed yet, for a monster grand slam home run and the Cubs had plated 5 runs in the inning. Just one more run and the game would be over. Bonaparte was up next and he worked a walk. Dan Hernandez singled, and one out later Miles singled to load the bases, with two outs. Girard came to the plate with the opportunity to cut his night on the mound short, and he delivered a single to end the game at 13-3.
The Cubs pounded out 17 hits, including a 2-run homer, a grand slam, and two doubles, all in just 5 innings. Meanwhile the Whiz were able to muster only 6 hits, all singles. Ron McCarthy led the way for the Cubs with a 2 run double and a grand slam. Jerry Rosen added a 2-run homer of his own along with a single and 3 runs scored. Paul Miles, Mike Girard, Dave Mitchell, and Dan Hernandez all added two hits each.
The Cubs even the best of 3 series at one game each and set up a deciding game 3 at Rogowicz Field on Friday night. Don't you dare miss this one! It should be a great game. An instant classic! The winner will advance to face the Dodgers next week, who won their semi-final series with the Giants 2-0.
