This game was dominated by the pitchers as both teams combined for only
9 hits. The Cubs came out on top 6-0 behind another unbelievable
performance by Andy Luckhardt. Andy and Tom Barnes combined for a two
hit shutout with 16 Ks and 2 walks. Only 4 Brewers reached base, 2 hits
and 2 walks. No Brewer reached second base! The defense turned 2 double
plays so the pitchers only faced 2 batters over the minimum! Talk about
complete domination!
Andy went 7 innings, gave up just 2 hits, struck out 14 and walked 2.
Andy has just been untouchable as his ERA has shrunk to a miniscule 1.04!
In his last 4 starts, Andy has pitched 25 innings and allowed 1 run.
Tom Barnes was very effective in his two innings. Tom faced just 6
batters and struck out 2 in wrapping up the shutout. With the shutout
(the third of the season), the Cubs team ERA dropped under 2 to 1.97!
Defensively, the Cubs had to only make 11 outs and 4 of those came on
double plays. No errors were made! Dan Gould was the
defensive star of the game. Playing second base he started a beautiful
4-6-3 in the fifth inning on a hard hit ball to his left. Pete DiNatale
made the strong throw to first to complete the double play. Dan also
started the other double play in the third. A soft line drive into
shallow right appeared to be dropping for a hit, but Dan made the nice
catch and doubled the runner off first base.
On offense, the Cubs only managed to collect 7 hits but made each one
count. Eddie Murray extended his team RBI lead with 1 RBI for a season
total of 12. Eddie also had a single and scored a run in the 7th.
Bryon Withers reached base in all three at bats with a single and 2 walks.
Rich Schwarz had a big day with a single and a double for 3 RBIs and
a run scored. Tony Leary hit a clutch RBI single in the 5th to make
the score 3-0. Andy Luckhardt also had a good day at the plate with a
single and a walk, 2 stolen bases and 2 runs scored.
This win and the Phillies loss gives the Cubs sole possession of first
place. The Cubs meet the Phillies in a huge double header next weekend
in Medway starting at 9AM.