on the Astros, as a pitcher and a batter. It’ll be tough game to win. ESPN says Cubs 2-1 favorites. But It’s tied ten minutes before game time. I’m hoping for the win

.158

Mark my words.

and he gets it done as the first Cubs batter in the game.

Cubs 1 Astros 0

but there is one out

and the Cubs broadcasters are mentioning that Backe’s record at Wrigley Field is particularly poor.

(still one out)

I’m losing confidence

Backe got out of the bases loaded 1 out with a 1-2-3 double play… whoo

Backe better go change his diaper. Whoa.

This is how the Cubs had it in the first. Let’s see if Astros can cash it in. (Cubs didn’t)

Hustle double by Pence moves Blum to 3rd, and a ground out to 2nd by Newhan to tie the game.

makes this Astros-Killers squared.

Cubs’ announcers are marveling at his strong arm and good range. On defense Tejada has been playing like he was 25 years old.

… than the AL average for designated hitters, according to Dave Raymond.

Let’s back him up with a little offense this inning!

3-1 Cubs

Backe throwing batting practice in the fourth

Brenly has been making a point during the game that Cubs think that Backe will give them good pitches on the first pitch and they have a strategy of hackng on the first pitch. Brenly said that the BA against Backe on the first pitch is something like .450. The first HR of the inning was on the first pitch….I didn’t see the Soto HR, so I don’t know about it.

Now Backe seems to be getting hit hard on subsequent pitches too.

2 runs in , one out, runner on first
Zambrano batting

Backe sacrific bunt moved Q to third.

Let’s keep a little of that August magic going here…

one out

Tejada down the right field line

According to the Astros radio guys.

Ramirez batting.

Astros relievers warming up

like he is upset about something -maybe he thought he shoud stil lbe in the game

on hunter’s triple?

high fly to center looked like it will be homerun or an out. Many players would have watched it. Pence was chugging.

or is hunter putting on a run to finish off the season? maybe all that chess is paying off. it’ll be interesting to look at his splits after the season’s over.

WHY???