Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: Explaining Jeremy Lin's Early, Surprising Success

Declaration of Independence - July 4 Notes and Photos

Well, Z certainly looks alright.

On the Fourth of July, the Cubs rode a strong return from  Carlos Zambrano and home runs by Kosuke Fukudome and Geovany Soto to declare independence from the Cardinals, opening up a 3 1/2 game lead in the division with a 2-1 victory.  It's a good thing America's a melting pot, because without Japanese and Venezuelan players not much would have happened tonight.

The game was pretty much about Carlos, who handcuffed the Cardinal offense for six innings.  For the most part, he either stayed well ahead of the hitters or induced them into quick outs.  (In reviewing my photos during the game, I noted "Pujols strikes out.  Check.  Pujols pops up.  Check.")   Actually, there were only a few moments of tension during the game, as Kosuke homered on the ninth pitch of his first at bat for the early lead. (And I say domo arigato to Kosuke, who hadn't previously done very much at any games I've attended this year.)  Geovany Soto also had a great game, with the aforementioned homer, a walk, and two singles.  Two runs might not have been enough for most of this week, but tonight it was just enough.  Jim Edmonds got a very nice and very loud standing ovation and doffed his helmet to the Cardinals fans, and then proceeded to strike out three times and meekly fly out.

The main threat from the Cardinals didn't come after Albert Pujols hit his 300th career home run in the eighth (meh) to bring them within a run.  It came in the second, when Yadier Molina reached on exactly the type of infield hit that occasionally sends Z mental.  With two runners on, however, genius Tony LaRussa had his pitcher in the 8th slot, ending the threat.

Although the end of the game was exciting after the Pujols home run (Howry - strong start, but meh), fortunately no one was on base ahead of him, and Neal Cotts and Kerry Wood held onto the lead for four more outs.  Actually, the bottom of the ninth was one of the stranger things I've seen in a ballpark, with the St. Louis fireworks display beginning as Kerry warmed up on the mound and continuing throughout the inning.  Didn't bother Woody, though.

A fine evening at the ballpark, and a fine way to spend the Fourth.

 

Dsc_0058_medium

Z on the mound.

Dsc_0103_medium

Dome with Pujols

Dsc_0141_medium

In-game fireworks

Dsc_0143_medium

Wood closes it out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

Comment 16 comments  |  2 recs  | 

Do you like this story?

Comments

Display:

Good recap and nice pics!

"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun

by Bump Bailey on Jul 4, 2008 11:33 PM CDT reply actions  

Not only nice...

But AWESOME pics! Hope u had fun on the 4th… I know I was a bit on the stressed side! Go Cubbies!

by socalicubsfan on Jul 4, 2008 11:45 PM CDT reply actions  

Incredible pics

where were sitting that you got such great pics?

"We have a pretty strong belief that we are going to win those types of games. It's our confidence. "--Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly

by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 4, 2008 11:47 PM CDT reply actions  

great pics

:-) thanks for sharing!

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jul 4, 2008 11:51 PM CDT reply actions  

Thanks for the pix!

Excellent recap.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jul 5, 2008 4:10 AM CDT reply actions  

"without Japanese and Venezuelan players not much would have happened "

Um, don’t forget the Puerto Rican player who went 3-3 with a HR.

''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella

by JohnM on Jul 5, 2008 7:49 AM CDT reply actions  

True

But one run wouldn’t have won the game!

by 08Cubs on Jul 5, 2008 8:29 AM CDT up reply actions  

I was only being picky in case

a) you thought Geo was Venezuelan or Japanese, or
b) you forgot his homer

But when I read the post again, I saw you certainly did mention Soto’s great night.

''Listen, losing Soriano is no box of chocolates.'' ~Lou Piniella

by JohnM on Jul 5, 2008 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions  

A Couple More Photos

Z on Base

Dome swings and misses, but rotates into camera range.

by 08Cubs on Jul 5, 2008 8:42 AM CDT reply actions  

That Dome pic brings several captions to mind

but all of them are unfortunately the same color as his jersey. :D

"Whoo, boy! Next time around, bring me back my stomach!" -Jack Brickhouse

by Goodie1969 on Jul 5, 2008 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions  

you scamp

We never give up -- Aramis Ramirez

by Emelie on Jul 5, 2008 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions  

I resemble that remark.

"Whoo, boy! Next time around, bring me back my stomach!" -Jack Brickhouse

by Goodie1969 on Jul 5, 2008 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions  

Sinatro

lost weight? Man he looks thinner, Lou needs to get on that diet! Great pics, great seats. Always better to go in an opposing park and win when you’re sitting there!

This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).

by mrcubsfan on Jul 5, 2008 9:13 AM CDT reply actions  

I worry about Lou's weight

but his penchant for dining fine and otherwise prolly gets the better of him. He seemed to have lost weight when he came back for the season but quickly put it all back on. We need our Lou fit and healthy.

We never give up -- Aramis Ramirez

by Emelie on Jul 5, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions  

Silence

As my son and I walked out of the ballpark last night, I was amused by the silence. It was wonderful to hear nothing from the St. Louis people!

Ya gotta love a team with a shortstop named TheRiot ...

by StampMe on Jul 5, 2008 12:29 PM CDT reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to Bleed Cubbie Blue, the Chicago Cubs blog for the SB Nation, created on February 9, 2005 by Al Yellon

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Small
Jazz Up Your Recs!
Img_0001_small
Value of Various Plate Approaches
284_small
Cubs' Fantasy Camp 2012 as seen by a Player's Wife
P7200073_small
Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp 2012

Recent FanPosts

Small
Arguably OT: Aussie Baseball Finals Go To Decisive Game Three
Small
New Cubs draft strategy player development
Jeffnewwork_small
What I Expect From The Cubs In 2012
Wrigley_scoreboard_small
What To Do With Alfonso Soriano
Small
A quick update from the 2012 concessions orientation
Caray_small
Is there any FA left worth going after?
Marvin_the_martian_small
Thoughts On Gerardo Concepcion: Trust The Scouts
Star_small
What if Hendry were still our GM instead of TheoJed?

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

FanShots

Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.

Recommended FanShots

Nice article about Ernie Banks
Yankees Hire Jim Hendry
Dale Sveum Meets Early Arrivals At Camp Buss

Recent FanShots

The Rickettsification of Wrigleyville has begun!
Marlins' Cespedes Offer 6 years, under $40M (MLBTR Link)
BCB Fantasy Baseball 2012
Former Cubs Blogger Interviewed on The Score
Cubs vs. Rangers In Las Vegas Tickets On Sale Monday 2/13
Hoyer driving to Spring Training with his dog
Hoyer-Soriano likely a Cub to start 2012, Garza extension talk a possibility
Law's Top 100 prospects
Ranking the Farm Systems
WGN Releases Season Schedule

+ New FanShot All FanShots >

Featured Poll

Poll
How many games will the Cubs win in 2012?

  293 votes | Results

It Is Only...

It Is Only...

Cubs By The Numbers

Cubs By The Numbers is a history of the ballclub by uniform number, but the biographies help trace the history of our beloved team in a new way. For everyone who's a Cubs fan, anyone who ever wore the uniform is like family. Cubs By The Numbers reintroduces readers to some of their long-lost ancestors, even ones they think they already know.

Click here to order your copy, available now!

Recent Stories in Ticket Exchanges


Managing Editor

Alyellontoppscard_small Al Yellon

Front Page Contributors

Primary_fc_small Josh Timmers

Marvin_the_martian_small Shawn Domagal-Goldman

Other Contributors

Dsc_0139_small David Sameshima

Toonmike_small Mike Bojanowski