Sun 08/14/2005
Andy Schultz went the distance and the Cubs scored 3 runs in the bottom of the 8th to clinch
first place in the National League by beating the Cardinals 6-4 at Mooney Field.
Despite a solid pitching performance by Langmeier (11K, 2BB), the Cubs were able to scratch up just enough offense to win the game in the late innings. The turning point in the game for the Cubs, who were down by 2 runs in the bottom of the sixth, was started by a screaming liner up the middle by Earl Carpenter. Andy Luckhardt followed with another key single and both would eventually score to even things up. Andy's score was on a passed ball and eventual play at the plate with the pitcher not able to hang on to the ball!
Keeping the amazing momentum going in the top half of the seventh with men on first and second, Murphy had hit a sac fly to right to advance the runner to third. With the fourth batter in the inning at the plate with one out, Andy Schultz fired a laser to first to catch Matt Sandock leaning the wrong way forcing a run down 2 - 3 - 6. In the process, the pinch runner for Tim Ryan headed home from third before promptly being gunned down by several steps with the throw from Dennis Fontecchio. Unfortunately the Cubs could not capitalize on their good fortune in the bottom half and were retired in order.
In the top of the eighth, the Cards were eager to make amends. A single run was allowed after a bases loaded walk to Simon. In all, seven batters reached the plate forcing Andy Schultz to dig deep as he continually had to battle from behind in the count. Andy left the bases juiced after inducing a strike out and a harmless grounder to third to discharge the threat. The Cubs answered the call again in the bottom half of the inning. Dennis reached successfully by blistering a grounder that actually tore through the glove of Matt Finnegan. Earl followed with a single, and was advanced to third on the double by Andy Luckhardt. Tim Shaver emptied the bases on a hit up the right field line to put the Cubs up by two runs.
Andy Schultz refused to break after giving up a lead off single by sitting the next three batters down in quick succession for the huge national league victory.
The vacation depleted line up was filled out with the solid return of veteran Dave Russo. Typical of Cubs baseball, the team pulls together no matter who is on the field!