The Cubs lost their fourth one run game of the season in heartbreaking
fashion. The Cubs never trailed the Indians until the game winning two
out two run single in the bottom of the ninth. A very close play at the
plate scored the game winning run. The call went the Indians way. This
was a very sloppy defensive game for both teams. The Cubs had a poor
defensive outing commiting 8 errors in the nine inning game. The Cubs
really gave this game away by allowing so many unearned runs to score.
Andy Schultz pitched wonderfully for the first 7 innings. Andy
deserved the win for his gutty outing. Despite all the errors made, Andy
only allowed 6 runs to score 2 of which were earned. Mark Grogan looked
very good in the eighth but 3 errors allowed 2 unearned runs to score.
Tom Barnes came in to close the ninth, and got a huge strike out with
one out and runners at second and third.
On defense, even with all the errors some great plays were made. Matt
Corkum played his first game of the season in right field and made 3
unbelieveable catches. Matt also caught the last two innings. Chris
Dunn made several nice plays at third. Dan Gould looked good at second
base and made a great play tagging out a runner at second on an attempted
steal. Hats off to Brian Donnelly who caught the first 7 innings and
did great. He even threw out a baserunner stealing second. It looked
like centerfielder Rich Schwarz threw out the game winning run in the
bottom of the ninth, but it was very dark and the umpire called the
runner safe.
Offensively, the Cubs showed a lot of spark. The Indians ace, Pat Kline,
has been having a very good season, but the Cubs managed to score 10
runs on 13 hits. Dan Gould continues to flourish in the leadoff spot
going 2-4 including a two run homer in the third. Chris Dunn delivered
a two out two run single in the seventh and was also 2 for 4. Andy
Luckhardt who has been on fire lately hit 3 singles and drove in two
runs. Tom Barnes drove in two runs with a single. Eddie Murray and Andy
Schultz both had a single and scored two
runs. In the top of the ninth with the game tied, the Cubs scored a run
without the benefit of a hit. Matt Corkum leadoff by hitting a ball to
the third baseman that was thrown away sending Matt to second base. Dan
Gould pinch ran for him and stole third base with two outs. The throw
was not fielded by the third baseman and Dan came al the way home!
The Cubs should be commended for almost winning this game. The vacation-depleted
Cubs were missing 7 key players. Still the Cubs were winning going to
the bottom of the ninth. Unfortunately, the Cubs lost two players to
injuries during this game. Eddie Murray tore his triceps muscle and is
out for the season. Eddie is tied for the team lead in RBIs with 14.
Matt Corkum hurt his left shoulder during his first diving catch of
the game. We all wish a speedy recovery for both Eddie and Matt.