Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs 6/30/2010 Game 18
Opened in April of 1914, Wrigley Field is the second oldest active stadium behind Fenway Park (1912). It is considered by many to be one of the best sports venues. So when I made my way to Chicago after my best man surprised me with these tickets, I was full of excitement to experience the “friendly confines.”
“Friendly” really only applies to Cubs fans as I was met with some resistance donning my Pirates hat. In fact, outside the stadium, I presume a highly intoxicated woman found it necessary to yell “Pirates SUCK!” about two inches from my face. Factually this was not an incorrect statement as Pittsburgh entered the game at 26-51 and had not had a winning season since Barry Bonds wore a Buccos uniform (1992).
To make matters worse, I managed to get my pants soaking wet after something began leaking in the bathroom. Needless to say, I was not enjoying my time in the Windy City.
As for the game, I didn’t hold much hope as rookie Brad Lincoln took the ball for the Pirates. Lincoln entered the game having failed to record a victory in his first four starts while sporting a 6.00 ERA. For the Cubs it was former Pirates legend and Herman Munster look alike Tom Gorzelanny.
Both pitchers scattered base runners throughout the game with Gorzelanny only being pulled for a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the fifth. That came with the Cubs threatening with runners at second and third. Lincoln wiggled off the hook by striking out Tyler Colvin to end the threat.
Brian Schlitter gave the Cubs two more scoreless innings before giving way to Andrew Cashner. After getting the first out, Andy LaRoche hit a ground ball to Aramis Ramirez and as any Pirates fan would know, not every Ramirez throw was on target, and this was one of those moments.With a runner on a very young Andrew McCutchen singled and Garrett Jones doubled to break the scoreless tie. After and intentional walk to Ryan Doumit loaded the bases, it was time for Sean Marshall to enter the game.
After striking out Pedro Alvarez, Marshall walked one of the great names in baseball, Lastings Milledge, to give the Pirates a 2-0 lead.
Joel Hanrahan and Octavio Dotel kept the Cubs off the board in final two innings and for the first time, but certainly not the last, the Pirates won a baseball game that I attended!
The next game would be filled for with much more offensive firepower, but nearly marked the end for my sister and I.