The Cubs pounded out 13 hits, while scoring 11 runs against the Dodgers last night at Watervliet High School. Meanwhile, Mike Girard pitched a complete game, scattering 6 hits, while giving up 3 runs (1 earned) in the 11-3 win over the Dodgers. Girard hit one batter and walked 1 (both Don Ball), while striking out 4.
Girard also drove in 4 runs with a 2-RBI double, a RBI groundout, and an RBI single. Paul Miles, Ron Lochner, Alex Marin, and Jim Bonaparte all also had 2 hits each. Carlos Espada had a single, 2 walks, 4 stolen bases, and scored 3 runs. Espada and Miles (the Cubs' 1 and 2 hitters) reached base in 5 out of 7 plate appearances, stole a combined 7 bases, and scored 5 of the Cubs' 11 runs. Quite a job of table setting!
The Dodgers were led by Jim Tesoriero's RBI double. Mark Callahan, Jim Bradley, Dennis Lane, Brendan Hogan, and Don Ball had the Dodgers' other hits.
Now the bad news:
Paul Miles suffered his second separated shoulder in the past 3 years, in the bottom of the 4th inning. Paul was acting as a courtesy runner for Girard, who had reached on an error. Miles stole second and, on an error on a Ron Lochner grounder, Paul attempted to make it to third, diving head first to avoid the tag. He immediately started writhing in pain on the ground. For those of us who witnessed his last separated shoulder, we knew that it was the same injury to the same shoulder. The sight of Paul being in so much pain, was very upsetting for both teams. At the time the score of the game was 10-2, and the rest of the game was played with a black cloud hanging over head. It is a big loss for the Cubs, as Paul was in the midst of another great season, as he was adjusting to a new role as the Cubs number 2 hitter, making way for rookie Carlos Espada's emergence as the Cubs' leadoff man. In true Paul Miles fashion, he made the transition look easy. We all pray for a 100% recovery as quick as possible.
The Cubs improved to 7-1 with the win. The Dodgers fell to 4-5 with the loss.
-- Edited by mgirard11 on Friday 12th of July 2024 02:58:03 PM
So sorry to hear about Paul Miles reinjuring his shoulder. Im never happy when someone gets hurt, competitor or not. Heres hoping for an excellent recovery. Obviously Paul is a gamer . Please know I speak for all of the Twins on this.
I echo Mike and Jim's comments for Paul's speedy recovery and add this:
Paul's a gamer. That's not only in his spirit, it's in his bones. Them bones know what's happened (they've been there before) and, with the rest of him, have a pretty good idea how to heal. So nature's on Paul's side.
Then, if you're not already doing this, Paul, let me suggest one thing a doctor recommended me after two shoulder surgeries (one on each): contrast baths. You can do them at home or if you work some place where you mostly sit, there.
Contrast baths are this: an anti-inflammatory pill of your choice, followed by a cool wash cloth on the shoulder, along with an ice pack you put on the cloth; 10 to 20 minutes later, put a wet warm (not hot) cloth with a hot pack on that shoulder for another 10-20 minute go.
Do the "baths" two, three times a day. You can do them while reading or watching TV. The idea is that the cold will bring down the swelling and the heat will open up the blood vessels, ushering in the anti-inflammatory pill you just took.
If doctors OK it, you can move your arm and shoulder gently as you sit with the ice and heat packs. Remember, it's always ice first.
Heal well and fast, Paul.
-Mike
-- Edited by mikehart on Sunday 14th of July 2024 04:14:58 PM
