The Cubs crushed a Braves team that has many players on injured reserve. This was
the first win of the season for the Cubs and it was a very impressive/dominating
victory. Going back to last year's playoffs, the Cubs have now beaten the Braves
two straight times by a combined score of 22-0!!
It was the Andy and Andy show on the mound for the Cubs as Andy Luckhardt and Andy
Schultz combined on a 3 hit shutout with 9 strikeouts and 0, yes zero walks. The pitching
was superb. Andy Luckhardt carried a no hitter for 4 and 2/3 innings before a solid single
to center. Andy L. was masterful, striking out 8 including at least 1 strikeout in every inning
without walking a batter in his five innings of work. He only faced 3 batters over the minimum.
Andy Schultz was nearly as perfect, going 4 innings allowing 2 hits and striking out 1 without walking
a batter. This game also gave us a chance to rest our workhorse, Tom Barnes.
This was the best offensive display for the Cubs in this young season. 13 hits with 4 doubles drove
in 9 runs. Dan Gould played his first game of the season and hit two singles, stole a base, and scored
two runs. Tom Jette collected his first two hits of the season, and both singles drove in runs! Eddie
Murray, Bryon Withers, and Brian Donnelly all hit bombs for doubles. Not to jinx him or anything, but Bryon
Withers has reached base safely in all 7 plate appearances this season! Package had one of the most impressive
hits of his young career, an absolute shot to left that the left fielder ended up catching. Package also
extended his team HBP lead. Pete DiNatale had two line drive singles and scored two runs.
Defensively, the Cubs had very little action. I can't remember any outstanding plays other than a nice
catch by Andy Luckhardt who raced from the mound to the first base line to snare a short popup. Tom Jette
filled in at third base for a few innings and caught a line drive and almost started a great 5-4-3 double
play. The runner just beat out the play at first. We all owe thanks to Package who volunteered to catch
the last 2 innings to rest Bryon.