Sun 06/30/2002
The Cubs beat the Cardinals 8-6 in a very tight game. Dennis Fontecchio had 2 hits and 2 RBIs
while Matt Finnegan stroked a critical 2 run 2 out double in the seventh to put the Cubs ahead
by a run. Peter DiNatale made a great hustle defensive play backing up first base and throwing
out a Cardinal runner at the plate for the last out of the game.
Dan Gould and Dave Russo made their 2002 season debuts on this day and each contributed with a run
scoring hit.
The Cubs are now 7-3 in 2002, one of the best starts in franchise history. This was a very tight game.
The Cardinals scored the first run of the game in the top of the third inning. The Cubs answered back
in the bottom half with a run scoring single by the starting pitcher Andy Schultz. The Cubs scored
two in the fifth to take a 3-1 lead. Dennis Fontecchio has been hot at the plate since coming off
the injured list. He doubled to score Paul Sonnett and scored on an RBI single by Dave Russo. Dave
made his first start of the season for the Cubs as did Dan Gould. The Cardinals fought right back
with 4 runs in the top of the sixth taking advantage of some sloppy Cubs defense. Trailing 5-3 in
the seventh inning, the Cubs scored 3 runs, the final two scoring on a two out double by Matt
Finnegan. Peter DiNatale, Tom Barnes and Dennis Fontecchio had all singled earlier in the inning.
The bottom of the eighth proved to be a critical inning as the Cubs scored two runs after two were
out and no one was on base to extend the lead to 8-5.