This was a heartbreaking loss in the first game of the season. The Cubs
nursed a 6-1 first inning lead for the entire game before losing in the ninth
inning when the Phillies scored three runs to pull out the victory.
Tom Barnes pitched a strong 7 innings, including his first pickoff of 1999 and Mark Grogan fanned three consecutive
batters the only inning he pitched.
Offensively, not too much happened. The Cubs only had 10 players as a switch
in the start time for the game meant several key players had to miss the game. Pete
DiNatale had the only extra base hit. Bob Zeleznik reached base in 3 of his
4 at bats. Chris Dunn and Tom Barnes managed to collect 2 hits a piece. A key two out
RBI single was stroked by Andy Luckhardt in the third inning.
The defensive play of the game was turned in by Bill Keville who made a diving catch
of a line drive at third base! We all owe a huge thanks to Andy Schultz who caught the
entire game since Bryon had to miss the weekend. Andy Luckhardt and Mark Grogan both made
a couple nice scoops of low throws to first base too. Pete DiNatale turned in a solid
error-free game at shortstop.