Season series: Cubs 11-5.

Friday: 7:10 p.m., CSN.
RH Jake Arrieta (21-6, 1.92) vs. RH Ariel Pena (2-0, 3.91).

Saturday: 6:10 p.m., CSN.
RH Kyle Hendricks (7-7, 4.09) vs. RH Tyler Wagner (0-1, 11.74).

Sunday: 2:10 p.m., WGN-9.
RH Dan Haren (10-9, 3.67) vs. RH Jorge Lopez (1-0, 5.40).

Pretty much need a sweep to steal homefield. If Cubs lose 1 of 3 then Reds must sweep.

Cubs take 1st two and drop season finale

If the Cub & the Reds can hold on tonight, things will be mighty interesting these last two days of the regular season. I don't buy into the argument that the Wrigley crowd would hurt the Cub. I always want the home field/court/ice advantage.

It might all come down to the arm of one Dan Haren.

And now the Pirates have tied it up.

What kind of fool am I?

Everyone on the Reds can go fuck themselves.

_________________
You never miss your wealth, till your well went dry
Seem like only yesterday, you were here smiling
Now you gone away, but I know you in a better place
No traces of you, what can I do?
Alone and confused

Since 1961, 5 NL pitchers have had 22+ wins and an ERA under 2.00:

1. Koufax (twice)
2. Gibson
3. Carlton
4. Gooden
5. Arrieta

_________________

With Arrieta at 1.77, it's almost unfathomable how Gibson was at 1.12.

I wonder what the Pirates' game plan will be on Wednesday. Watching the shitty Brewers swing at slider after slider out of the zone, I can't help but be reminded of Marmol, who was basically unhittable until batters decided to stop swinging and dared him throw strikes. I know Arrieta has better mechanics than Marmol, but I'm not sure what more the Pirates can do but to try to let him walk some guys and also raise his pitch count.

_________________

Well they've faced him 5 times this year so Im sure they have tried different approaches. Lets face it, if he's on, they're not going to hit him. I think its more about what Arrietta does rather than what Pittsburgh can do against him. That Gibson ERA was fucking crazy. They lowered the mound after that year didn't they?

_________________
Proud member of the white guy grievance committee

It aint the six minutes. Its what happens in those six minutes.

Gibson basically pitched all year like Arrieta has in the second half, I would guess.

_________________

Angel Hernandez really is awful at his job.

_________________
"Play until it hurts, then play until it hurts to not play."
http://soundcloud.com/darkside124 HOF 2013, MM Champion 2014

Not going to get 100 rbi swinging at that shit.

_________________
That's my purse! I don't know you!

CB Bucknor just as awful. Terrible both of them.

If Cubs and Pirates finished tied who gets the wild card game at home?

_________________
"He is a loathsome, offensive brute
--yet I can't look away."

I think head-to-head record?

_________________

You are correct. Cubs own the head to head tie breaker.

_________________
That's my purse! I don't know you!

Cubs win with Jake on the bump wherever they play.

Is Justin Grimm still alive?

Wow!

Thought there was no way they turn that double play. All hail Rizzo for his scooping abilities.

Remember those cave dwelling muppet things that ate radishes? What were those called?
Anyway remember their buddies who wore hard hats and built stuff?
That's what Angel Hernandez looks like. One of those guys.

_________________
"Play until it hurts, then play until it hurts to not play."
http://soundcloud.com/darkside124 HOF 2013, MM Champion 2014

Are you making Fraggle Rock and Doozer references?






I like it!

anyone notice the score of the Pirates game

Yeah! That's what I am talking about. Fraggle Rock. That's what Angel Hernandez looks like. A Doozer.

_________________
"Play until it hurts, then play until it hurts to not play."
http://soundcloud.com/darkside124 HOF 2013, MM Champion 2014

If the Reds hold on, then this is the face of hope for tomorrow.

I can't see the Pirates losing to Josh Smith. He is Edwin Jackson bad. Too bad the Reds shit the bed last night.

Bryant (and Rizzo) still sitting at 99 RBI. Thought Maddon might sit Bryant tomorrow to avoid getting 200 strikeouts (currently at 199 with 3 more today), but he probably plays.

Didn't realize how far Bryant has blown past the Cubs all-time record for Ks. Sosa had been the single-season leader at 174. Fowler is actually 8th now at 154. Amazing that Dave Kingman is only 24th with 131...shows how much the game has changed.

_________________

I think you have to play your WC lineup tomorrow. You have to get them ready.

The question is what you do with the bullpen. I'm sure Maddon will wait to see how the game goes the first couple innings, but you have to think you want to get as many bullpen guys out there to throw one more time, if you can. Have to try to work out the kinks one more time.

Also, you "have to" win. There's still that.

_________________

You don't "have to" win. You are already in. Home field is nice, but it's one game.

Bryant had a runner on 3rd with one out TWICE tonight and he TWICE struck on shit at bats. I dont care if he doesnt get 1 tomorrow because he pissed away a few tonight swinging at dogshit balls in the dirt.

_________________
That's my purse! I don't know you!