Sun 09/10/2000
The Cubs crushed the Braves 12-3 to sweep the NLCS from the Braves. Tom Barnes
allowed just two singles and collected his second win of the playoffs. The
Cubs defense was solid and 10 of the 14 Cubs scored a run in this game.
The Cubs rode a 5 run first and a 5 run fifth to demolish the Braves 12-3.
Tom Barnes went the distance and allowed just 2 hits! Tom retired the first
eight batters and with Earl's shutout in game one helped keep the Braves
scoreless for 10 innings! Again the defense shined making several good plays.
Tom pitched well with the lead. He allowed just two singles. His control was
not as good as usual as he allowed 5 walks, but kept the Braves from mounting
any serious comeback.
The defense played well. Dennis Fontecchio made the play of the game snaring
a liner in short center with an over the shoulder catch. Tom Jette had 4 assists.
Dan Gould had an active game making 4 putouts while splitting time between
left and center field. Earl Carpenter caught the entire game after pitching
7 innings in game 1.
The Cubs offense exploded for 16 hits and 12 runs including two 5 run innings.
All 14 players in the lineup reached base safely!
The first six batters in the lineup went 10-18 with 8 runs scored and 4 RBIs.
The Cubs roared out of the gate when 4 of the first 5 batters reached with
singles. Dennis Fontecchio closed out the inning and the Braves starter's day
with a two run single. The Braves brought back their ace. The Cubs scored a
run in the third on a Dan Gould single and stolen base and an RBI single by
Eddie Murray. The Cubs eventually torched the ace for 5 runs in the fifth to
extend the lead to 11-3 and pretty much end the game. Matt Corkum and Mark Grogan
opened the fifth with solid singles. Package reached on a great sac bunt that
the pitcher couldn't field. Tim Shaver closed out the Braves season with a two
run single. Earl Carpenter batted lefty in the sixth and got an infield
single and scored the last Cub run.