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00:00For Chicago, the Chicago White Sox, and the Chicago Cubs, and it's on 2K Sports.
00:11Can they contain this man, Alfonso Soriano, a bat that's got to be quieted if you're going to win.
00:18We're going to see the Chicago Cubs playing before yet another, and is there any other here?
00:23Eager crowd.
00:24Major League Baseball on 2K Sports with Steve Phillips.
00:27I'm Gary Thorpe.
00:31And our starting pitcher today, Carlos Zambrano.
00:35And as he looks at this White Sox lineup, what are they going to see from him today?
00:39Carlos Zambrano pitches with passion, I think, to say the least.
00:43He goes right at hitters.
00:44He wears his emotions on his sleeve.
00:47The tremendous sinker ball gets a lot of ground ball outs.
00:51Brought to you by State Farm, the White Sox, their lineup today.
00:55We got a chance to see a lot of long balls in this game here today.
00:58A power hitter lineup.
01:00A lot of big power bats here, Gary.
01:02A lot of big hairy back guys you can hit out of the ballpark.
01:15And we've got Anderson batting.
01:17He prepares to lead off this game.
01:19Getting set to look at the first pitch.
01:26That one swung on, hit in the air to deep right center field.
01:30Oh, Bradley comes up with it.
01:32What a beautiful catch.
01:34Great job on that jump here.
01:36That's a tremendous outfield play.
01:38This is why guys work on catching balls in batting practice when they come off the bat.
01:43Great practice, great performance.
01:46It's going to be Brzezinski.
01:53One out, nobody on.
01:59On, he saws him off as this one's hit on the ground.
02:02Holy, a dive up with it.
02:08Umpires don't have the benefit of this.
02:09We do.
02:10Let's take another look.
02:11Close play at first.
02:12I thought for a second he's going to beat it out.
02:14But the ump punches him out.
02:15Whether he's safe or out on the replay, he's out.
02:18Oh, he's out.
02:23And it's Carlos Quentin in the box now.
02:27Hitting .287.
02:30Two outs and nobody on.
02:35On the ground to third.
02:37Oh, Ramirez, a dive.
02:39He's up.
02:40From his knees.
02:41Got him.
02:42What a throw.
02:43Well, that's one way to keep your pitch count down.
02:45They wrap that inning up with three pitches.
02:48They'll go to the bottom of inning number one.
02:57Mark Burley is going to be pitching.
02:59He gets settled in for Chicago.
03:02As he gets into this Cub lineup, Steve, what are we talking about strategy?
03:06Look, Gary, you love pitches like this.
03:08Mark Burley out there.
03:09He works quickly and throws strike.
03:12Keeps the fielders in the game behind him, knowing that they're there to make the play.
03:17And here's Alfonso Soriano.
03:22He got the bat on that one and dies there.
03:25The catch is made.
03:35Now a quick look for this game at the White Sox and how they are positioned in the field.
03:39Steve, keeping an eye on anyone?
03:41Well, Carlos Quentin Gary has really become a guy who's a two-way player.
03:45We know what he can do with the bat, but defensively, good range in the outfield and a very strong
03:50throwing.
03:52And it's Ryan Terrio at the plate.
03:54Grounded down the first baseline.
03:57Played by Canerco.
03:58And he's out at first.
04:00Good hustle by the pitcher getting off the mound.
04:02That's a good heads-up play.
04:03You have to know the hitter and his speed.
04:05Don't hesitate.
04:06Get over and beat him to the bat.
04:08Lou Piniella, his starting lineup, is brought to you by State Farm.
04:13Steve, who do you keep an eye on there?
04:14Ryan Terrio has outstanding discipline at the plate, and he's a catalyst on offense.
04:20His speed is a major asset.
04:22A real pest on the bases and a guy to set the stage for the power pass behind him.
04:27Derek Lee at the plate.
04:30Batting 290.
04:32Aces empty and two down.
04:37Swung on line to right center field.
04:39Base hit, hits it down.
04:41That's our first hit of the game for these guys.
04:49Well, he's done his job.
04:50Now let's see if his teammates can step up and have a two-out round.
05:01And here's Aramis Ramirez.
05:06Runner in scoring position at second with two down.
05:10Burley with a delivery.
05:12Swing and a soft liner to the right.
05:14And that's a base hit.
05:16Ramirez on board with a single.
05:21Now this one's coming to the inside part of the plate, but he manages to put the bat on the
05:25ball and drive it to right field.
05:27We call that a muscle hit, Steve.
05:28He just muscled that to the opposite field.
05:30How do you know it's a muscle hit?
05:32Muscles.
05:32Pickle of the beast.
05:33Oh, guns.
05:38Winners at first and third with two away.
05:43And Burley gets it by.
05:44Called strike of the count.
05:46We'll go to 0 and 1.
05:47Well, we're going to look at the National League side of this rivalry now.
05:50As here on the north side, the fans in have no love for the White Sox.
05:54Well, the friendly confines of Wrigley Field weren't so friendly to the White Sox last year as they got swept
05:59against the Cubbies.
06:11Now a swing.
06:13That ball is hit well.
06:14Deep going back.
06:16He hits all the way back to the warning track and gets the L.
06:21White Sox, they'll look to generate some offense.
06:23You wonder, though, when they come into play at Wrigley, whether it's too much long ball thought about.
06:28It's always a factor, certainly.
06:30I think last year outscored in 2008, 22-11.
06:33So the offense there for the Cubs at Wrigley, but not for the White Sox.
06:37No runs and a couple of hits and two left on.
06:40Both teams still looking for their first run in Chicago.
06:47Here's a quick glimpse of Lou Piniella looking on.
06:50Great inspiration he gives to his players.
06:52There's 08 a year, of course, that could have turned out better, but the Cubs did win the division easily.
06:59And Jermaine Dye up.
07:01Last season, near the top at home runs in the league.
07:09Short foul ball over to the right side.
07:11A big hitter in this big lineup, but a guy that countered on all year last year who really delivered.
07:17Gave them what they needed, Gary, and obviously looking for him to do it again.
07:25Zambrano with a delivery.
07:27Jermaine Dye with a good eye.
07:29Lays off the pitch to even it up.
07:31I'm not sure I like this cut fastball up in the zone right here.
07:34It's a pitch you want to get down in the zone to run off the corners.
07:37Don't leave it over the plate.
07:40Started to go around, but a called strike.
07:43One and two.
07:54The one-two pitch.
07:56Jermaine Dye with a good eye.
07:59Lays off the pitch to even it up.
08:11And it's fouled away.
08:21Jermaine Dye with a good eye.
08:26Fastball swung out and missed.
08:27Struck him out.
08:28One away.
08:29Credit the pitcher right there.
08:31Good two-strike pitch down and away.
08:33Not much he could have done with that, even if he had made contact.
08:38Jermaine Dye with a good eye.
08:42And it's Paul Canerco now.
08:49Nobody on base.
08:51One away.
08:56Swings high on that one.
08:57Starts out with a strike.
08:59Now 2008, the Cubs, the best in the National League at home.
09:0355 wins, Gary Dominic.
09:14Hit sharply towards the hole.
09:17Man, they'll record the out at first base.
09:19Good timing on that plate.
09:21We might not have been able to get him out of the plate, but a short run over the first.
09:24He still retires his next team.
09:26Playing out the friendly confines is one of the reasons this team finished with the second best batting average in
09:32the National League last year, Steve.
09:34Well, you know, they just enjoy playing at home.
09:36I mean, a lot of day baseball in front of the fans here, but a lot of winning baseball.
09:39The fans really support this team.
09:44And that's going to do it in this half inning.
09:46It's the kind of inning the defense likes.
09:48Three up, three down.
09:49Time now to move to the bottom half of the second.
09:58One of the most famous parks and a gorgeous day weather-wise here at Wrigley.
10:04As we get going again here.
10:15And it's Giovanni Soto, rookie of the year last year.
10:25Burley with a delivery.
10:27Swing and a rocket towards short.
10:29And it's caught by Ramirez.
10:38And it's Miles Batten.
10:413-16 average.
10:44One out.
10:44Bases him.
10:50It's taken for a ball.
10:51Bottom dropping out on that Burley pitch.
10:54But, Gary, I love his approach at the plate.
10:55He doesn't try to do too much.
10:57He reacts to where the ball's pitched.
10:59He uses the whole field and always looks to make contact.
11:05Lines this one softly up the middle.
11:07Two away.
11:18And it's Reed Johnson.
11:23Bases empty with two outs.
11:30That's a foul ball.
11:44Here it comes.
11:46Swung on and hit.
11:48It's going to be Quentin.
11:50And it falls in there for a base hit.
11:56Well, they'll take it.
11:57I mean, obviously not happy with the first two at-bats this inning.
11:59But you get a man on base and some bats coming behind him.
12:03We'll see if they can't get something going.
12:05Zambrano at the plate.
12:08A runner on first with two outs.
12:14That swung on and hit.
12:16Quentin's going to play it.
12:17And that's out number three.
12:20No runs on a hit.
12:21And they'll strand it.
12:23We'll go to the top of the third.
12:31And Fields is in the box.
12:33He's going to start the third here.
12:35For 20.
12:36John Fields.
12:39Zambrano with a delivery.
12:41Swung on and hit.
12:42This one to Soriano.
12:44That's one away.
13:06And Zambrano's pitch too low.
13:07Taken for a ball.
13:09Change up down in the zone is one of the most effective pitches
13:12if used in the right sequence.
13:14Nice pitch.
13:15The hitter just lays off.
13:20On the ground to first.
13:23And he steps on first.
13:24That's the second out.
13:27Oh, he makes a nice play at first.
13:29Takes care of it himself.
13:30Goes over.
13:31Touches the base.
13:33It's Burley at the plate.
13:37Two outs.
13:38Base is empty.
13:44And Zambrano gets it by.
13:46Called strike on one.
13:47Well, you got to love the action on his two-seam fastball.
13:50It allows him to get a lot of ground ball out.
13:52That's the pitch.
13:52Your time.
13:57All right.
13:58Good hard splitter.
13:59Swung on and missed 0 and 2.
14:01And with this pitch, if you can control it, put it where you want it,
14:05you'll get ahead of all hitters.
14:07Well, you know, he has so much movement on it,
14:08you really have to start it in the middle of the plate
14:10and let its natural action just take its movement off the court.
14:14Well, he was able to ring up that K, and he needed it,
14:16and it got him out of the inning.
14:18Three up, three down this half inning.
14:20With the top of the third over,
14:22we'll move on to the home half of the inning.
14:27And here's Alfonso Soriano.
14:30He'll start things off for the home team.
14:32We're in the third.
14:33Here's the pitch to Soriano.
14:37It's strike one, can't make contact on the fastball.
14:40This guy brings a great set of wheels to the plate.
14:42He can stretch that would-be single into a double or double into a triple.
14:46All right.
14:48All and one.
14:59Burley kicks and delivers.
15:01Shallow left center.
15:02And it's caught by Ramirez.
15:05That's an exceptional play with the glove, Steve.
15:07Let's watch it again.
15:08Gary, there aren't many guys that can make this play.
15:11Watch as he leaves his feet and gets up to make the catch.
15:14What a job.
15:16And it's Ryan Terrio.
15:18He had the most stolen bases on the ball club last year.
15:21Bases empty, one out.
15:23Terrio ready.
15:24First pitch.
15:26Swings of that breaking ball, but misses.
15:28It's all in one.
15:43Burley with a delivery.
15:44One ball.
15:45Ryan Terrio not fooled by that.
15:47Count is even.
15:59The 1-1.
16:00Good looking fastball.
16:02Called the ball, though.
16:032-1.
16:14The 2-1 pitch.
16:16And Terrio works this one to his count.
16:183-1.
16:19They throw that four-seamer off the outside corner, getting the hitter to think outside.
16:24Let's see if they come back inside now.
16:32Well hit towards the middle.
16:34And Ramirez feels the ball.
16:36Over to Canerco.
16:382-8.
16:47And it's Derrick Lee at the plate.
16:50He doubled at his last appearance.
16:55Aces empty and two down.
16:57Now Lee gets set.
17:01Now here's a grounder towards the hole.
17:04And he'll step on first to retire the side.
17:07Save your arm.
17:09Do it by pitching only eight times in one inning, three outs.
17:13Both teams still looking for their first run in Chicago.
17:17Top of the lineup.
17:19Coming up.
17:32None other than Ozzie.
17:33That's Ozzie Guillen.
17:34Let's watch some great deliveries on the mound.
17:37Struggling bats, though.
17:38Important now to get the offense stinging.
17:49And we've got Anderson batting.
17:51He'll start things off here.
17:52Inning number four.
18:00Zambrano with a delivery.
18:02Cutter just misses.
18:041-0.
18:04They haven't scored or gotten a hit.
18:06And we're in the fourth inning right now.
18:08They've got to really reconsider their approach at the plate as we move through the lineup the second time around.
18:15Here's the 1-0.
18:16Hut shot towards the hole.
18:18That one ate him up.
18:20But he recovers in time.
18:22Makes the play.
18:23Good work.
18:24He's retired ten in a row.
18:27The hitters are completely overmatched right now.
18:29He's got it all going on.
18:31It's going to be Brzezinski.
18:33Ground down victim last time through.
18:38Nobody on base.
18:39One away.
18:40And the first pitch.
18:44And Zambrano gets it by.
18:46Called strike on one.
18:48He's just popping that glove with that four-seam fastball.
18:51Pounding the strike zone.
18:56Kicks and throws.
18:58Lays off the cutter.
18:59Good pitch.
18:59But it's 1-1.
19:00Good movement on the cut fastball there.
19:03Just couldn't quite catch the bottom corner of the strike zone.
19:06Good eye at the plate.
19:11Swing and a miss as he was well below that one.
19:141-2.
19:22And Soto spotting the pitch.
19:25Changeup.
19:26Swung on and miss.
19:27That's the out.
19:28Number two.
19:29He pulled the string right there.
19:31Must have been looking for the fastball.
19:33Swings right through the changeup for strike three.
19:43And it's Carlos Quentin in the box now.
19:46He was in that top ten list for home runs last year.
19:50Base is empty with two outs.
19:53First pitch to Quentin.
19:56Popped way up on the infield.
19:59Soto's there.
20:00That one's grabbed.
20:02Side retired.
20:03And they aren't able to get anything going in this happening.
20:06Three up, three away.
20:07We'll go now to the bottom of the fourth.
20:15And here's Aramis Ramirez.
20:17He's singled in his last at bat.
20:23Burley with a delivery.
20:25Sinker just missed.
20:271-0.
20:28He's one of those pitchers that doesn't like to fall behind.
20:30And when he does, he wants to come right back in with that fastball.
20:33So you've got to be ready for it.
20:39Now the 1-0 pitch.
20:41And Ramirez with a swing and a miss and a strike that will even it up.
20:45Well, I've got a veteran pitcher on the mound today in this one, Gary.
20:48And he just seems to become more effective with age and experience.
20:56On the ground to second.
20:59Gets.
21:01Over to Canerco.
21:02One away now.
21:04And, Steve, he is spotting his pitches extremely well.
21:07That's probably the reason he's gotten tougher as he's gone along.
21:10Well, the experience comes into play when you don't have your good stuff.
21:14You still have the ability to get hitters out.
21:16He can do it.
21:18And Bradley settles in.
21:20And for the offense in Lou Piniella's club, this is a big stick.
21:25Swung on and hit.
21:26It's going to be Quentin.
21:28And that's going to be a hit.
21:29Credit that one to Bradley.
21:32And that's going to bring Giovanni Soto up.
21:41Lined out in his last at bat.
21:47One out man on first.
21:51First one to Soto.
21:52Here's the pitch.
21:53Curveball swung on and missed.
21:55Now it's 0-1.
21:56But, Gary, 0-1 count.
21:57I'm looking for him to come right back with that fastball.
22:01Let's go, Carr!
22:07Burley with a delivery.
22:09And Soto watches that one go by.
22:11The count evened up.
22:12That's a good spot there.
22:14With that kind of movement, you want to start it away and get the ball to drop out of the
22:17zone.
22:18Good piece of pitching.
22:24Hit sharply towards the hole.
22:26And the dive.
22:27He's up with it.
22:28From his knees, he got him.
22:30What a play.
22:32From his knees, got him.
22:34What a throw.
22:35So, no runs on one hit and nobody left on.
22:38Fifth inning coming up at Wrigley.
22:50And Jermaine Dye up.
22:52A tremendous hitter.
22:57First count on Dye.
22:59Here it comes.
23:00That one's drilled the short.
23:04One away.
23:16And it's Paul Canerco now.
23:19Grounded out his last time through.
23:24One out, nobody on.
23:29And a swinging strike on the first pitch by Zambrano.
23:330-1.
23:34But, Gareth, we move through the middle part of this ballgame right now.
23:37They just cannot mount any offense at all.
23:40No hits.
23:41And I'll tell you what, this pitcher is just shutting them down.
23:46He delivers.
23:48Strike two.
23:49No balls and two strikes.
23:51Canerco now will look to tighten up that zone.
23:54Well, two strikes.
23:55I'm going to go with the changeup.
23:56Pull the string on it.
23:57Get him off balance and get a swing and a miss.
24:03Swing, swing, swing, swing.
24:05Smashes that one towards the shortstop.
24:08And Canerco retired.
24:11Nice easy ground ball.
24:13Shortstop.
24:13Able to get over.
24:14Make the play.
24:15Good, strong throw across the infield to get the runner at first.
24:21And in the batter's box, it's Ramirez.
24:24He popped out his last time.
24:26Two outs and nobody on.
24:28First pitch to him.
24:31And a swinging strike on the first pitch by Zambrano.
24:350-1.
24:36Well, must have been thinking off speed right there.
24:38He gets the two-seam fastball and he was able to run it by him.
24:46Good cut fastball that time.
24:48He's in control with the counter-dome too.
24:59A line drive towards short.
25:02Picked up by Theriault.
25:04Throws on to first.
25:05Side is retired.
25:06And they're held in check here in this half inning.
25:09Middle of the fifth inning down to the home half.
25:19And it's Miles Bannon.
25:20He'll lead off for the home team here in the home half.
25:45And he throws on to first for the out.
25:53Well, not a bad thought trying to get something started getting on base to start some sort of a rally.
25:57Put some pressure on the defense.
25:59But it didn't work out that way.
26:04One out, nobody on.
26:06And Johnson ready for the first pitch.
26:10That one swung on, hit in the air deep to left field.
26:13He has to back up for it.
26:15Comes away with the out.
26:17Getting up to the plate for the Chicago Cubs.
26:21Number 28, Zambrano.
26:27Zambrano at the plate.
26:28He flew out his last time up.
26:31Faces empty with two out.
26:37The pitch from Burley.
26:38Swung on and missed.
26:40Look, Gary, 0-1 count.
26:41I'm looking for him to come right back with that fastball.
26:52He deals.
26:54He lets that fastball go by for a call.
26:57Strike 0-2.
26:58You can really stay out of big trouble in the big inning
27:00if you can spot your fastball down in the zone.
27:10Smashes that one towards the shortstop.
27:14And he's in there at first.
27:17And he's on.
27:18With a costly error to allow him to reach base.
27:21Left fielder, number 12, Alfonso Soriano.
27:27And Alfonso Soriano for that.
27:290 for 2 thus far.
27:32Two outs and a man on first.
27:35Here's the pitch to Soriano.
27:37Good pitch from Burley.
27:39Swung on and missed.
27:55Get a good lead.
27:56He can't pick you.
27:57He delivers.
27:58That one misses.
27:59It gets away from the catcher.
28:19The pitch.
28:22And it holds at 0-2.
28:29With Soriano at the plate.
28:31Last season, he led his team in home runs.
28:40Catcher can't control it.
28:44Yeah, it worked.
29:01The one-two from Burley.
29:03Swing and a drive.
29:05Deep left center.
29:10The run scores.
29:13Well, the rally here energized every new opportunity they take advantage of.
29:18Boy, I don't know when that counts, Steve.
29:20Number one, the fact that he swung is kind of a surprise.
29:22I don't know how he hit that.
29:23You're right.
29:24On an 0-2 count, you have to protect the plate.
29:26Sometimes it's a defensive swing.
29:28But sometimes it works out.
29:30And it's Ryan Terrio at the plate.
29:33Changeup just misses.
29:341-0.
29:35Great deception on that changeup.
29:37The arm action looks just like the fastball.
29:40Throws it down in the way, but the hitter just lays off.
29:47Swing and a chopper.
29:48Foul ball.
30:01Swing and a ground ball to third.
30:03Fields.
30:05Throws to first in time.
30:06That's three down.
30:08Well, it took a while, but our first run of the game had to happen.
30:11The Cubs lead it 1-0.
30:22A glimpse there.
30:23Lou Finnella.
30:24He got what he needed out of his lineup that last time through.
30:28This lead now is something he can try to protect.
30:30If he can get some solid pitching.
30:39And Fields is in the box.
30:41He's ready to start out here in the sixth inning.
30:44But it's outside.
30:48Zambrano with a delivery.
30:50Cut fastball.
30:51Swung on and missed.
30:520-1.
30:53You know, I know we're not supposed to say anything about no hitters, so I would never say anything about
30:58that, Gary.
30:58But don't worry.
30:59You know, I don't think they have any hits here.
31:01And we're, you know, moving through the middle part of the ballgame.
31:03Swing.
31:04Contact.
31:05This one's to Bradley.
31:06And that's in there.
31:07The White Sox get a man on.
31:09He's going to try to stretch it.
31:12Well, there you go.
31:13There's the first hit of the game.
31:15Making it into the sixth inning.
31:17Pretty impressive performance.
31:18And certainly the crowd appreciates his effort.
31:22Gets.
31:23Has a turn in the box.
31:250-1 thus far.
31:27Runner on first base.
31:28Nobody out.
31:29Now the first pitch.
31:31Here's a swing and a fly ball to right center.
31:35That's one down.
31:40Good first step movement by the right fielder.
31:42Good angle to run this one down and make a nice running catch.
31:48It's Burley at the plate.
31:50Struck out swinging last time.
31:53One down.
31:54Runner at first.
31:58He squares around and he gets this one down.
32:01Picked out by Lee.
32:03And he throws the first in time.
32:05Out number two.
32:07Well, if you're going to sacrifice a runner for first base, this is how you do it.
32:11You bunt it to the first baseman.
32:13Because he's holding the runner on.
32:15He can't give up his position.
32:16Well executed by him.
32:21Two outs and a runner on second.
32:25Here's Anderson's first look.
32:27Swing and a bouncer up the middle.
32:29And that's going to be a base hit for Anderson.
32:33And they get the tying run home.
32:36And the White Sox, they just keep rolling.
32:40Leave a pitch over the center of the plate like that, you're going to pay for it.
32:43No doubt about it.
32:44Big leaguers take advantage of those kinds of mistakes.
32:48It's going to be Pruszynski.
32:50Well, this offense now really a renewed momentum, Steve.
32:55We just saw quality at bat right there.
32:57That's some clutch hitting.
32:58They needed the big hit.
32:59They got it.
33:00And now we're tied.
33:03And Zambrano gets it by.
33:04Called strike 0 and 1.
33:06Did they ever.
33:07And with that, Steve, as they say, we've got ourselves a brand new ballgame.
33:10This keeps things a little bit interesting now, doesn't it?
33:19Pitch on the way.
33:21Hot shot towards the hole.
33:24And he throws on the first.
33:26That'll retire the side.
33:28Well, they score once on two hits.
33:30One man left.
33:31Even game here in Chicago.
33:52And for those of you just coming on, it's Gary Thorne along with Steve Phillips.
33:55Great to have you with us.
33:562K Sports, Major League Baseball.
34:09And it's Derek Lee at the plate.
34:11He's going to lead off bottom half of the sixth inning.
34:18Now Lee gets set.
34:22That's fouled back out of play behind home.
34:44And Ramirez feels the ball.
34:47And that'll retire Lee.
34:59And it's Ramirez Ramirez in the box now.
35:021 for 2 in the ballgame.
35:03Base is empty with one away.
35:06Now Brzezinski sets up.
35:09Hit in the air to left center.
35:12The catch is made.
35:13And that's out number 2.
35:16Well, they had him play perfectly right here, Gary.
35:19Great call for the dugout to shift the defense toward left.
35:25And Milton Bradley to bat.
35:27Had a base hit his last time up.
35:30Two outs.
35:31Base is empty.
35:32Bradley gets set.
35:34Here's the first pitch.
35:36Good movement on that pitch.
35:37He swings over the top of it.
35:38Strike one.
35:39Well, this is exactly the situation where he's going to pull the curveball out.
35:43This guy really struggles with it when he's behind.
35:53Swung on.
35:54Hit.
35:54This one towards Anderson.
35:56And in there.
35:57He's 2 for 3 today.
36:02And that's going to bring Giovanni Soto up.
36:05Number 18.
36:09Giovanni Soto.
36:11We'll get another shot after hitting into that double play last time up.
36:16A runner on first with two outs.
36:21First one to Soto.
36:22Here's the pitch.
36:23Got the bat on that.
36:24Anderson's there.
36:26And the sides retired as they head into the dugout.
36:30No runs at a base hit.
36:31They leave one man on at first.
36:33On to the seventh inning we go.
36:41Taking account of the ball game.
36:43There's Ozzie Guillen.
36:44You can sort of feel that hunger.
36:47First and foremost.
36:48Making sure his staff can do their part.
36:58And it's Carlos Quentin in the box now.
37:00He'll lead off the seventh.
37:07First pitch to Quentin.
37:11This one's popped up behind the plate.
37:300 and 1.
37:31Zambrano kicks and deals.
37:33And Quentin watches that one go by.
37:35And the count is even.
37:36If you're going to miss, this is where you want to miss.
37:38Throw that breaking ball at the bottom of the strike zone.
37:41If the hitter swings and puts it in play, it's a ground ball out.
37:49Here's the 1-1 pitch.
37:50Swings for a strike on the fastball.
37:52It'll be a 1-2 count.
37:53He got the two-seamer right there.
37:55He went down to try to get it, but just swung underneath.
38:05Hit hard on the ground towards third.
38:09Over to Lee.
38:10One away.
38:21And here's Jermaine Dye.
38:23Grounded out his last time up.
38:27One out.
38:27Base is empty.
38:30Fresh count on Dye.
38:31Here it comes.
38:33Swung on.
38:33That is hit.
38:34Oh, my.
38:35How did he get out of the way of that?
38:37Those are scary.
38:38The dive, and he's got it.
38:40And he's out at first.
38:41What an out.
38:51Connerko at the plate.
38:520 for 2 thus far.
38:58Aces empty and two down.
39:02Zambrano with a delivery.
39:04That one's hit well.
39:05Johnson's there.
39:07That's caught.
39:08Side is retired.
39:09And a good half inning.
39:10They're gone in short order in this one.
39:12Hi, everybody.
39:13And it's stretch time at Wrigley.
39:16We got the bottom three in the lineup.
39:18Due up.
39:22And it's Miles batting.
39:240 for 2 thus far.
39:29First pitch.
39:31And he lays one down here.
39:34And Brzezinski picks it up.
39:36And his throw is in time.
39:37First out of the inning.
39:39The low ball's a tough one to bunt.
39:41I'll give him that.
39:42But you have to get the job done.
39:44It's the little things that lead to victory.
39:47And Reed Johnson up.
39:49Flew out last time.
39:50Base is empty.
39:51One out.
39:57Swung on and a ground at a first.
39:59Great stop.
40:00Diving.
40:01Cutterco.
40:02Throw is not in time.
40:03And that will be an infield single.
40:05He's settling into the batter's box.
40:07And while he's doing that, a quick look at the 2K Sports hit track.
40:11Well, the chart can really give you an idea about how they might pitch to him.
40:14How they might defend him as well.
40:16And also where the holes might be.
40:28Zambrano at the plate.
40:29Reached on an error as last time around.
40:32Runner at first with one down.
40:36Here's the first pitch.
40:38Pulls it back in time.
40:39It's 1-0.
40:48A 1-0 pitch.
40:50Drops down a bunt.
40:53That ends up foul.
41:05He bunts the ball.
41:08He grabs it.
41:10In time for the elk.
41:13Well, that's outstanding bat control right there.
41:16He catches the ball on the bat.
41:18Lays the bunt down nicely.
41:20Art of bunting has gone away in large part in this game.
41:23But not there.
41:23Boy, managers love these types of role players.
41:29Runner on second and two outs.
41:32Here's the pitch.
41:34Elks chop foul to the left side.
41:52That one's drilled to short.
41:54And in there, second hit for him in the ball game.
41:57And he scores.
41:59And he scores.
42:00And the tie is broken.
42:02They take the lead.
42:10And it's Ryan Terrio.
42:12I always hope you can get this offense going late in the ball game.
42:15They have.
42:16And they've got a lead.
42:17Well, they were given an opening.
42:19And they took it.
42:20And now they have a lead late in the game.
42:23Strike started off the bat 0 and 1.
42:25Steve, we'll keep an eye on the bullpen.
42:27We'll expect to see that closer getting up and getting ready to come into the ball game.
42:30Well, that's right.
42:31But you want to give your closer some insurance.
42:33Give them some margin for error.
42:35So look for this guy to try to come up with a big hit to tack on to this lead.
42:49Swung on, grounded towards the hole.
42:52Throws on the first in time to retire the side.
42:56So they score a run, one hit, and leave a man on.
43:00Cubs jump ahead in this one.
43:27And in the batter's box, it's Ramirez.
43:30They're leading off here.
43:32Inning number eight.
43:35And here's the first one.
43:38On the ground to second.
43:39Oh, he's got it.
43:42Over to Lee.
43:43That's one down.
43:46Just in time, but that's all that matters.
43:48Let's get a look at this call at first base.
43:50You see it, the ball just beats him to the bag in a bang-bang play.
43:53But he's out.
44:03And Fields is in the box.
44:05One for two in the ball game.
44:08Nobody on base, one away.
44:10And the first pitch.
44:13Swing and a ball line towards the hole.
44:16That's the second out.
44:35That one's hit well, Johnson's there.
44:39That one's grabbed side, retired.
44:43Amazingly fast inning.
44:45Amazingly fast inning.
44:45Outs here coming quickly.
44:46Three pitchers.
44:47Cubs still ahead.
44:50Things will start getting a little more difficult.
44:52Third man in the lineup coming up.
44:57And it's Derrick Lee at the plate.
44:59He's going to lead off the home half of the game.
45:01Two-one-five.
45:02Two-one-five of Derrick Lee.
45:04Now Lee gets set.
45:08That one's wide as Burley misses.
45:27That one's fouled back out of play behind home.
45:30You know, it's not just the players to make the great plays.
45:32How about the catch by the fan right there?
45:34This is a Rex Barney.
45:36Give him a contract play.
45:37That's why you bring your glove to the ballpark.
45:46He deals.
45:48Swing and a chopper.
45:49Foul ball.
46:06This is lined softly towards shallow right.
46:09And it's through Lee at first base.
46:12Oh, it's bobbled.
46:25It's Aramis Ramirez batting.
46:29A runner on first, no out.
46:32And Ramirez settles in.
46:34First pitch.
46:35Good pitch from Burley.
46:37Swung on and missed.
46:45He delivers.
46:47And this is bounced foul to the left side.
46:58And he delivers.
47:00Big swing and a miss for Ramirez.
47:02Strike three and he is out.
47:04His pitches complement one another.
47:07They work off of each other.
47:08And he used a tremendous sequence right there.
47:12One, two, three.
47:13Strike out.
47:14See you later.
47:18Now, Milton Bradley.
47:23One down, runner at first.
47:27Bradley gets set.
47:28Here's the first pitch.
47:29All right.
47:30And that one's too high.
47:31Taken for a ball as Burley tried upstairs.
47:411-0 now.
47:43On the ground to short.
47:45And he scoops it up.
47:47That's 1-0.
47:48And they get it.
47:49They turn two.
47:50No runs.
47:51One hit.
47:52And no one left on base.
47:54Eight innings in the book.
47:55On to the ninth.
48:04This was an outstanding performance today.
48:06I mean, that's good starting pitching right there.
48:08He won't be able to finish what he started, but he pitched a heck of a ball game.
48:13Starts him out with a called strike on the circle change.
48:16Well, coming down to the wire right here, it's do or die time.
48:18You need base runners.
48:19Get somebody on.
48:20And if you get the leadoff fan on, it allows you to move him up with a bunt.
48:25To sacrifice bunt, you can get him up.
48:27Swung on.
48:27Liner to right.
48:28And it's in there.
48:30The tying run on board.
48:45And we've got Anderson batted.
48:47Had an RBI single his last time to the plate.
48:51And they need to get some offense here.
48:53Jerry Owens is likely to be going.
48:57It'll be Lee's job to keep him close.
49:00Squares to bunt.
49:01Doesn't offer.
49:02Ball one.
49:10Marmold with the windup.
49:12This is hit way up there.
49:14It'll be in the infield.
49:17And that'll set down Anderson.
49:19One away.
49:21Went out here in the ninth inning.
49:23And obviously in a situation where you're looking for outs.
49:26And you can't allow somebody to score.
49:28But if you can get an out, do what you need to to get it.
49:35One out.
49:36Run around it first.
49:39First pitch.
49:40Here it comes.
49:41That one sails high for a ball.
49:441-0.
49:44Gary, when he gets ahead of the count 1-0, he really likes to swing the bat.
49:48So you can't give him anything too good to hit right now.
49:55Ready with a 1-0.
49:57This one's popped foul towards the left side.
50:15On the ground to first.
50:16Gets it.
50:18There's one.
50:19Back to first.
50:20Not in time.
50:221-2 won't get it.
50:23On to first.
50:25Safe.
50:25Can't get the back end of that one.
50:27Now we're counting down right here.
50:29They've got one out left in this game.
50:31And I think offensively, you're hoping for that long ball.
50:34But you'll take anything.
50:36Give a face runner.
50:37Get somebody on.
50:38Now, big moment for Carlos Quentin in this game.
50:41A real opportunity for him.
50:43Let's see who can win this show.
50:45First pitch to Quentin.
50:48Tight rotation there.
50:50And it just misses.
50:511-0.
51:04Here's Marmol's 1-0 pitch.
51:07Low for a ball.
51:082-0.
51:09If you're going to miss, this is where you want to miss.
51:11Throw that breaking ball at the bottom of the strike zone.
51:14If the hitter swings and puts it in play, it's a ground ball out.
51:21Here it comes.
51:22Hit on the ground.
51:24This could be the end.
51:26And on to first for out number three.
51:29And that's going to do it.
51:31Here in Chicago, played a solid all-around ball game today.
51:35Pulled out a close one.
51:36They've got to feel good about themselves.
51:38And with this break, we've got a moment to join.
51:40Jeannie Zalasco and the gang standing by in the studio.
51:42Thanks, fellas.
51:43And now we turn to our Hardball Central postgame presentation of the Gupsy Clutch performer.
51:48Steve, it came down to the performance on the mound, didn't it?
51:52This was a gutsy performance from hard-throwing Carlos Zambrano here.
51:57He really hit upon a lethal combination of mixing speeds and location and came away as the Gupsy Clutch performer.
52:05And for Steve and myself, we'll see you next time on Hardball Central.
52:08We'll leave the final words with Gary Thorne and Steve Lewis.
52:12And Steve, that ought to send these folks home.
52:15No question about it.
52:17They get the win in a close game.
52:18A lot of excitement and enthusiasm and ready for the next one.
52:22This presentation has been brought to you by 2K Sports.
52:25For more, log on to 2ksports.com.
52:38We'll see you next time on Hardball Central.
52:46The Gupsy Clutch.
52:46We'll see you next time on Hardball Central.
52:46I'm sorry.
52:46I'm sorry.