The Cubs played an outstanding game to beat the Indians 7-1 on 7/1.
The Cubs had it all going today with great pitching, great defense and clutch hitting to beat
the red hot Indians 7 to 1. This was a tight game all the way that the Cubs opened up with
2 runs in the 7th and 3 runs in the 8th.
Tom Barnes went the first 8 innings and was as strong as we've seen all year long. Tom allowed
1 unearned run in the 8th with the Cubs up 4-0. Tom allowed 7 hits and 3 walks while striking
out 6. Tom also picked two runners off first to help his cause. Billy Bracken closed the game
out with a scoreless 9th inning. Tom's work even impressed the opposition today as several Indians
commented on how great he pitched after the game was over.
The Cubs defense was sparkling today. Alex Scott made one of the best plays in Cubs history on a
ball in the shortstop hole in the 3rd. Alex made a great play to dive and get the ball and then
from his knees gunned the batter out. Catcher Paul Sonnett, made a nice play on a foul popup half way
up the first baseline in the 8th. Andy Luckhardt made a nice catch on a sinking liner in left for
the first out of the 7th. The Cubs also turned a 4-6-3 DP to end the 7th, Dennis Fontecchio to Alex
to Rich Wenning.
Alex Scott was 2-3 with a 2 out RBI double in the third and an RBI triple in the 8th. Eddie Murray
was 2-4 with an RBI double in the 8th. The Cubs scored 2 key runs in the 7th after the first two
batters were out to double their lead to 4-0. Dennis Fontecchio singled and then Tim Shaver drew a
walk. Andy Luckhardt and Rich Wenning (2-3) followed with RBI singles. Billy Bracken was 2-3 with
2 RBI singles and has really been heating up at the plate over the last three weeks. Billy has been
consistently hitting the ball hard. Rich Schwarz scored three runs on a 2-2 day with a walk. It
looked like a bad day in the scorebook for Kenny Hamm, but he absolutely crushed three balls today
which turned into deep outs in the outfield. Bad luck for Kenny, he could have had 3 extra base hits
easily.