Well, the Cubbies pulled out the game at Southport Little League last night. Their next playoff game against the fearsome Yankees is Thursday at 7:45 p.m.
Going into the third inning, the Cubs were down 7-4. Pitching and hitting were both spotty for the Cubs, with the Red Sox displaying tenacity in the field and at the plate. The Cubs, as the home team, were in the field for the top of the third and Elliott Obermaier takes the mound. Obermaier knew that this was the playoffs; he needed to focus. He proceeded to strike out the Red Sox on 14 pitches - obviously holding the Red Sox to no runs. The Cubs scored 3 runs in the bottom of the third to tie the game, including Tyler Pollard stealing home in a brilliant display of coaching courage and athletic prowess.
The top of the fourth inning again sees Obermaier taking the mound. The first player hits a grounder to second, where Austin Greenwell fields cleanly and throws out the runner. Next up: the incredible Chas Hine, who stands 2 feet taller than every other kid in the league. Obermaier and Hine have history; they tore up pre-school together 4 years ago, driving the teacher into retirement. Obermaier glares at Hine; Hine glares back. Obermaier drives his foot against the pitching rubber, ensuring he has a solid base from which to pitch and slowing the game down; he's playing on his terms, not Hine's. First pitch; fast ball low and away; swing and a miss. Second pitch: ball. Third pitch: swing and a miss. Fourth pitch: swing and a miss. Hine's out. Next hitter: Obermaier throws 2 balls, still excited that he struck out Hine. Then his focus returns: foot rubs the mound, mashing the dirt down, dictating the pace of the game. Bam, bam, bam: strike, strike, strike - all three pitches blown right past the hitter. Red Sox retired; 2 scoreless innings led by solid pitching and excellent fielding.
Cubs come up, bottom of the fourth, tied. Parents are popping nitro like Tic Tacs. The Red Sox have to go deep into their bullpen. Going deep into the bullpen means that, well, the pitching was a bit sporatic. The Cubs have patient hitters and proceed to get the first man on via walk; he steals second, then third. Second batter walks. Men at the corners (okay, boys at the corners). Third batter walks. Bases loaded. Theme music from "The Natural" can be heard, and the ghost of Kevin Costner from "Field of Dreams" can be seen. Obermaier comes up, game on the line. Four pitches, four balls.
Cubs win. 8-7. The second season continues.
Somewhere there's a Grandpa who's smiling, proud of his team and his grandson.
Next up, Yankees.
See you Thursday.
(Originally written June 29, 2009)
