Cubs win 5-4 over Cardinals for 5th consecutive win as rivalry continues

Wow, just wow.  The Cubs beat the Cardinals 5-4 Saturday at Wrigley Field for their fifth consecutive win.  The crowd at the Friendly Confines was definitely charged up and into the game as there was plenty to cheer about.

Jorge Soler and Kris Bryant hit back-to-back homers to lead off the fifth inning.  The homer into the last row of the left field bleachers was Bryant's 25th home run of the season, which ties Billy Williams'  rookie record for home runs.  Williams set the record in 1961.

Fernando Rodney (not pictured) pours sunflower seeds onto Kris Bryant after he hit a home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field on Sept. 19, 2015, in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

The Cubs held a lead during the entire game, beginning in the bottom of the first inning.  Trevor Cahill earned the win and Michael Wacha gets the loss.  

Addison Russell made an impressive diving catch and then flipped it to Javier Baez at second base to get the final out of the game.

Addison Russell's diving catch to secure the Cubs win on Saturday over the Cardinals

The Cubs now trail the Pirates for 2nd place in the NL Central by a half game (The Pirates will play the Dodgers at 8:10pm CT).  I'm sure I won't be the only one cheering on the Dodgers tonight!  The Cubs are now 5 games behind the Cardinals for first place in the NL Central. 

The Cubs magic number is now 6!  Go Cubs Go! #wearegood

The Cubs and Cardinals will play their final matchup of the regular season on Sunday at 1:20pm CT.  Jon Lester (10-10, 3.38) will face Carlos Martinez (13-7, 3.02). 

Starlin Castro's career-tying 6 RBI game leads Cubs to big win over Cardinals; Kris Bryant, Lyft driver

Starlin Castro is the Cubs MVP today after hitting two homers and a single totaling 6 RBI in the series opener against the Cardinals.  Did you know that the Cubs are 11-0 this season whenever Castro has at least three hits?  Castro's 6 RBI today matches his Major League debut game on May 7, 2010, against the Reds, where he also had 6 RBI.

Austin Jackson congratulates Starlin Castro after one of his homers during Friday's game against the Cardinals

The Cubs now have a four-game win streak after beating the NL Central division leading Cardinals 8-3.  What an intense game it was, as you could feel the rivalry between the two teams even more than usual.

Cubs starting pitcher Dan Haren accidentally hit pinch-hitter Matt Holliday in the helmet in the fifth inning.  At this point, both teams were given a warning.  However, Cardinals reliever Matt Belisle still retaliated by hitting Anthony Rizzo in his back leg in the seventh inning and was immediately ejected from the game, along with manager Mike Matheny.  It was the 29th time Rizzo has been hit by a pitch this season, which leads the Major Leagues and was also the second time he was hit by a pitch in this game.

Joe Maddon was less than pleased with the Cardinals way of doing things and said, "I'm really disappointed in what the Cardinals did right there.  We did not hit their guy on purpose.  That was an absolute mistake.  To become this vigilante group that wants to get their own pound of flesh, that's absolutely insane, ridiculous and wrong."  I don't blame Maddon for being mad...really mad.

Anthony Rizzo argues with home plate umpire Dan Bellino after being hit by a pitch for the second time in Friday's win over the Cardinals. AP Photo/Paul Beaty

"I never read this book the Cardinals wrote way back in the day regarding how to play baseball," Maddon said, fuming.  "You can take that book and read it yourself because I don't give a crap about that book.  I want everyone there to understand we don't start stuff but we stop stuff." 

The Cubs are now 86-61 (.585) and trail the Cardinals by 6 games in the NL Central and are just 1.5 games behind the Pirates, who will play the Dodgers in Los Angeles tonight at 9:10pm CT.   The Cubs currently hold the second NL Wild Card spot and have a 8.5 game lead over the Giants for the Wild Card.

In other Cubs news, have you seen this video by the ride sharing service Lyft featuring Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, who went undercover as a driver?  Here's a link to the video, which is pretty entertaining.

Kris Bryant goes undercover as a Lyft driver to unsuspecting Chicagoans

The Cubs and Cardinals will play the second game of the three-game series at 12:05pm CT tomorrow at Wrigley Field.  Joe Maddon plans to use a relief pitcher to start tomorrow's game, which could be either Trevor Cahill, Carl Edwards Jr., or Travis Wood.  Michael Wacha will make the start for the Cardinals.

What an exciting season this has turned out to be.  It's far from over yet, so let's keep cheering on our Cubbies because #wearegood!

Cubs beat Pirates 4-1 to win 6th consecutive game

I was lucky enough to be at the Friendly Confines today to see the Cubs continue to play some really excellent baseball to win 4-1 over the Pirates, which was also their 6th win in a row!  Not only was it great to see the left and center field bleachers full again, it was also a different atmosphere at Wrigley Field.

You could definitely notice the electric crowd and you could see the way the players seemed to gel with each other and their skipper, Joe Maddon.  It was completely different than what I've seen the past several years.

Jon Lester pitched up to his ace status as he allowed one run and nine hits, struck out seven and walked one in seven innings for his fifth consecutive quality start.  Kris Bryant continued to impress with his hitting (although no homers today) and smart baserunning.  Bryant also extended his career-best hitting streak to six games.  Addison Russell made an outstanding catch to rob Neil Walker of a hit.  Travis Wood stepped up to pitch in relief and earned the first save of his career.

Here are some photos I took at the game:

Cubs players during the National Anthem before Saturday's game against the Pirates (photo by Karen Burchell)

3B Kris Bryant on deck (photo by Karen Burchell)

Kris Bryant on the Jumbotron (photo by Karen Burchell)

1B Anthony Rizzo (photo by Karen Burchell)

2B Addison Russell (photo by Karen Burchell)

Left field digital display and Jumbotron after the Cubs' 6th win in a row (photo by Karen Burchell)

Right field display after the Cubs win on Saturday (photo by Karen Burchell)

The "W" flag on the Jumbotron (photo by Karen Burchell)

The Cubs are now 21-15 and are in 2nd place in the NL Central, 3 games behind the Cardinals.  Another fun fact:  The Cubs are also six games above .500 for the first time since Oct. 3, 2009.

I love the way this team is playing and I'll admit I'm really fired up for this season.  Go Cubs Go!  #wearegood

Kris Bryant highlights Spring Training, Cubs shaving heads for charity

It's been an exciting and eventful Spring so far for the Cubs.  Top prospect Kris Bryant has been setting records with his 8 homers (best in the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues), new manager Joe Maddon has been keeping it fun, and the Cubs are taking time to raise money for charity.

Cubs players, coaches, and fans had their heads shaved today and raised over $12,000 for pediatric cancer research.  This is something Maddon brought with him from Tampa Bay.  More than 20 players participated by donating $100 to have their heads shaved and get a "Respect Bald" T-shirt. 

The players that participated included:  Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez, Jorge Soler, Phil Coke, Drake Britton, Mike Olt, Chris Denorfia, Matt Szczur, Ryan Sweeney, Felix Doubront, Justin Grimm, Chris Coghlan, Edwin Jackson, Welington Castillo, Neil Ramirez and Starlin Castro.

Here are some photos from the fundraiser:

Anthony Rizzo tweeted this selfie after getting their heads shaved for charity today in Mesa

Joe Maddon gets his head shaved to benefit pediatric cancer research

Cubs players taking a selfie before getting their heads shaved to benefit pediatric cancer research

Kris Bryant will start to work in the outfield after the off day on Monday, according to Joe Maddon.  It's still up in the air as to whether Bryant will get to start the season at Wrigley Field or if he'll have to wait a few weeks.

Kris Bryant signs autographs for fans during Spring Training

In other Cubs news, lead off hitter and centerfielder Dexter Fowler is celebrating his 29th birthday.

The Cubs lost to the Padres 6-1 today and have the day off tomorrow.  They will play the Oakland Athletics at HoHoKam Stadium on Tuesday at 3:05pm CT.

Two weeks from tonight is Opening Night at Wrigley Field!

Rest in peace, Ernie Banks

The City of Chicago and the country is mourning the loss of the back-to-back National League MVP  (1958-59) and the first African-American player on the Cubs also known as "Mr. Cub," Ernie Banks. 

The shortstop known for his positive personality and dedicated loyalty to the Cubs passed away on Friday, January 23 at the age of 83. 

Ernie Banks in 2014 (Chicago Tribune photo)

I feel very lucky to have met Mr. Banks on a couple of occasions and he always made me feel like I was the most important person he was talking to and that he genuinely cared about our conversation. 

Ernie Banks at Wrigley Field in the 1970s (Chicago Tribune photo)

Reading quotes, tweets and comments from others about Mr. Banks only solidifies my feelings for him even more.  Here's what some had to say:

"Approachable, ever optimistic and kindhearted, Ernie Banks is and always will be Mr. Cub.  My family and I grieve the loss of such a great and good-hearted man, but we look forward to celebrating Ernie's life in the days ahead."  --Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts

"He was always an individual who was the happy type.  He was always an optimist.  You only saw the cheerful side of Ernie."  --Teammate and Hall of Fame Member Fergie Jenkins

"Mr Cub.  What you have done for the game of baseball and the city of Chicago and everyone you have ever touched will never be forgotten.  RIP"  --Tweet from Anthony Rizzo

"New to the @cubs family but always admired Ernie Banks. Mr. Cub's play on the field was only matched by his demeanor off of it. #LetsPlayTwo"  --Tweet from new Cubs Pitcher Jon Lester

"Ernie actually didnt get ENOUGH credit as player bc never talked about himself. He was way more interested in the person he was talking to"  --Tweet from Len Kasper

"RIP Ernie banks/ sad day for Chicago and cubs nation - great human being"  --Tweet from actor and Chicago native John Cusack

"We lost a legend tonight. Sad night."  --New Cubs Outfielder Dexter Fowler

And there are many, many more if you scan Twitter, the internet or the media.  Here's a link from the Chicago Tribune to an in-depth article that's worth reading about Mr. Cub.  

Ernie Banks hit his 500th career home run on May 12, 1970 (Chicago Tribune photo)

Even though Mr. Banks was an amazing player, he never talked about himself or touted his accomplishments.  Banks is the Cubs' all-time leader in games played (2,528), at-bats (9,421), home runs (512), total bases (4,706) and extra-base hits (1,009).

Mr. Cub was second in all-time hits (2,583), home runs (512) and RBIs (1,636) for the Cubs franchise during his 19 seasons played from 1953-1971.  

Banks was a National League All-Star for 11 seasons and played in 14 All-Star games.  Mr. Cub hit his 500th career home run in 1970 and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977.  More recently, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2013.

Ernie Banks is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama on November 20, 2013 (Chicago Tribune photo)

Banks coached for the Cubs until 1973, served as a minor-league instructor from 1974-76 and also worked in the Cubs front office.  His uniform No. 14 was the first one to be retired by the Cubs organization and can be seen on game days on the left field foul pole.

Mr. Cub will always be remembered in the minds of so many and his contribution to baseball and everyone he met will definitely live on.  Let's play two!

Cubs make roster moves before non-tender deadline; Tree lighting on Thursday

As the MLB non-tender deadline approached Monday night, the Cubs had many decisions to make.  All in all, the team tendered 2014 contracts to the following arbitration-eligible players, including second baseman Darwin Barney, starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija, outfielder Nate Schierholtz, starting pitcher Travis Wood, relief pitcher Pedro Strop, reliever James Russell and third baseman Luis Valbuena.

Starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija was one of seven arbitration-eligible players to whom the Cubs tendered contracts to. (Chicago Tribune photo)

MLBTradeRumors.com projects Samardzija to get $4.9 million in 2014, while Schierholtz is projected to get $4.4 million; Wood $3.6 million; Barney $2.1 million; Russell $1.7 million; Valbuena $1.5 million; and Strop $1 million.

In addition, the Cubs signed fan favorite Donnie Murphy to a one-year $825,000 contract plus incentives.

The Cubs also reached an agreement with backup catcher George Kottaras (who was acquired last week from the Kansas City Royals) for a one-year, $1.075 million contract.

George Kottaras will be the Cubs' backup catcher in 2014 (photo from Chicago Sun-Times)

The Cubs non-tendered relievers Daniel Bard and Chang-Yong Lim and also infielder Mat Gamel.  All three are now free agents.

Former Cubs catcher Dioner Navarro agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.  We wish him the best.

The Cubs' 40-man roster currently stands at 37 players.

Former Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly has retired due to chronic neck pain.  "I am retiring," Lilly wrote.  "I don't want to, but I think it is the realistic decision."  Lilly had the nerve endings on the right side of his neck cauterized by a spine specialist recently, which allowed him to pitch in the Venezuelan Winter League, but the discomfort continued.  Besides the Cubs, Lilly also played for the Dodgers, Yankees, Blue Jays, A's and Expos during his 15-year MLB career.

The Cubs Christmas Tree Lighting will take place this Thursday, December 5th in front of the Wrigley Field marquee.  The Cubs have not yet announced the time of the event.

And that's a wrap at Wrigley Field for the 2013 Cubs

The Cubs ended their home season at Wrigley Field on Wednesday by beating the NL Central second place Pittsburgh Pirates by a score of 4-2.  It's become somewhat of a tradition for me to attend the last home game of the season with family/friends but it's definitely a letdown once that last game at the Friendly Confines is over.

Members of the Cubs bullpen high-five each other before the start of the home finale on Wednesday (photo by Karen Burchell)

Cubs players and coaches threw out 1,000 autographed baseballs to fans in the stands before Wednesday's game.  I was lucky enough to catch Outfielder Nate Schierholtz's attention, who threw me a ball that ended up being autographed by rookie Pitcher Zac Rosscup.  It really is a nice gesture for the Cubs to do this for the fans, especially after another rough season during the rebuilding process.

Autographed Zac Rosscup ball thrown to me by Nate Schierholtz (photo by Karen Burchell)

Jake Arrieta made the start for the Cubs and earned the win after giving up one run on four hits over six innings.  Arrieta came to the Cubs from the Orioles in the Scott Feldman trade in July. 

Jake Arrieta warming up in the bullpen before starting for the Cubs against the Pirates (photo by Karen Burchell)

Although the Cubs finished with a 31-50 record at Wrigley, which set a franchise record for most losses at home in a season, it was hard to tell this was the case while sitting amongst fellow loyal Cubs fans on Wednesday. 

Below are some more photos I took at the game.  Enjoy and let's hope the Cubbies can win against the Cardinals this weekend!  Tonight the rivals will play in St. Louis at 7:15pm CT.  Travis Wood will start for the Cubs and try to earn his 10th win of the season. 

Relief pitcher Hector Rondon signs autographs before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Relief pitcher Justin Grimm signs autographs before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Bullpen catcher Andy Lane signs autographs before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Relief pitcher Carlos Villanueva signs autographs before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Assistant hitting coach Rob Deer signs autographs before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Darnell McDonald's bat - possibly the one that hit the game-winning homer? (photo by Karen Burchell)

Starlin Castro (center) walks on the field before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Donnie Murphy, Ryan Sweeney and Anthony Rizzo before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Members of the Cubs bullpen high-five before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Some of the Cubs bullpen before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

So this is how Blake Parker occupies his time in the bullpen during games! (photo by Karen Burchell)

September call-up Brooks Raley during Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Cubs players and coaches tip their hats to fans following the conclusion of the home finale and win on Wednesday (photo by Karen Burchell)

Thanks for reading and for your support!  Keep following Cubby News for the latest Cubs news during the offseason!

Cubs vs. Nationals an up and down game after a rain delayed start

After a two-hour rain delay, the Cubs and Nationals were able to start the final game of the four-game series Thursday afternoon at Wrigley Field.  The Cubs never held a lead in the game but then managed to tie the game at 4 in the bottom of the ninth inning, thanks to Donnie Murphy, who hit a homer with two outs.

The game then went on for four more innings, until the Nationals scored and ended up winning 5-4 over the Cubs.

Here are some photos I took at today's game:

Cubs players and coaches lined up during the National Anthem before Thursday's game against the Nationals

Wayne Messmer singing the National Anthem before Thursday's Cubs game

All-Star Travis Wood pitching during Thursday's game against the Nationals

Darwin Barney and Anthony Rizzo chat while reliever Blake Parker warms up

Former Cub David DeJesus playing for the Nationals

For a complete recap of the game, here's a link to the story on cubs.com.


Tomorrow the Cubs will start a three-game series against the Padres in San Diego.  First pitch is scheduled for 9:10pm CT.  Edwin Jackson will make the start for the Cubs and try to earn his eighth win of the season.

Cubs win 8-2 over the Mets as Scott Feldman pitches his way to fourth consecutive win

The Cubs beat the Mets 8-2 on a beautiful Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field.  Scott Feldman delivered another quality outing for the Cubs as he pitched 6-2/3 scoreless innings.  Feldman allowed seven hits and struck out six batters and walked one.  He has a 1.27 ERA in his last five starts and is 4-0.  I was at the game and am happy to share some of my personal photos in this blog post.

Scott Feldman earned the win against the Mets on Saturday

Both Anthony Rizzo and Nate Schierholtz homered in the game, with Rizzo's coming in the fifth inning and Schierholtz's in the eighth.  "I am just seeing pitches to hit and not trying to do too much.  Keeping it as simple as possible.  Not over-thinking, no matter who's pitching." Rizzo said.  Well, keep it up, #44!

Cubs players and coaches celebrate their "W" on Saturday

Darwin Barney and Anthony Rizzo visit while James Russell warms up

In other Cubs news, Matt Garza has rejoined the team and is scheduled to make his first start since last season on Tuesday against the Pirates in Pittsburgh.  Carlos Villanueva is the likely candidate for moving to the bullpen once Garza is added to the roster.

Matt Garza and teammates during the national anthem before Saturday's game

Tomorrow, the Cubs and Mets will play the rubber game of the series at 1:20pm CT.  Travis Wood will make the start for the Cubs and try to earn his fifth win of the season. 

Cubs beat the Cardinals 2-1 and win 2nd straight game

The Cubs won 2-1 over the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field in the first of the two-game series.  Anytime the Northsiders can beat the Redbirds, it's a beautiful thing.  It was really satisfying to watch Cardinals fans listening to Cubs fans fill the Friendly Confines with the sweet words of "Go Cubs Go!"

Starlin Castro makes the throw to first as Yadier Molina slides into second (Chicago Tribune photo)

Travis Wood made the start for the Cubs and was excellent as he allowed one run on five hits while walking one and striking out eight batters over 6.2 innings pitched.  Wood earned his second win of the season and threw 114 pitches.

Wood is the first left-handed Cubs pitcher to start a season with seven consecutive quality starts since Johnny Schmitz in 1948.  Kevin Gregg dominated in the ninth inning and earned his fifth save of the season (in five opportunities).  Carlos Marmol tried his best to give up the Cubs' lead in the eighth, but was thankfully able to get out of the jam unscathed.

Rightfielder Nate Schierholtz hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning, which gave the Cubs a 2-1 lead and was enough to win the game.  Schierholtz was even interviewed after the game on the field and didn't even get a shaving cream pie in the face.  Bummer!

Tomorrow the rivals will play each other at 1:20pm CT and Carlos Villanueva will start for the Cubs and try to earn his second win this year.  Can the Cubbies extend their winning streak to three games? I sure hope so!

Cubs win 5-3 over the Padres as Kevin Gregg earns 4th save and Darwin Barney and Cody Ransom each with two RBIs

The Cubs opened their 10-game homestand with a 5-3 win over the San Diego Padres on a 70-degree spring night at Wrigley Field.  Jeff Samardzija was the starting pitcher and allowed three runs on four hits while walking four and striking out eight batters over five innings pitched. 

The Shark didn't have his best outing of the season as he walked Everth Cabrera to lead off the game and then allowed a single to Chase Headley.  Samardzija then threw two wild pitches and the runners advanced and Cabrera ended up scoring on that second wild pitch.

Michael Bowden earned the win and Kevin Gregg got James Russell out of an 8th inning jam and closed out the game to earn his fourth save of the season.  It sure is nice to see the Cubs have an effective bullpen that's actually doing the job they're there for. 

Scott Hairston and former Padre Cody Ransom hit back-to-back homers in the second inning and Ransom also had two RBIs, which included a go-ahead RBI single in the sixth inning.

Scott Hairston and Cody Ransom hit back-to-back homers in the second inning against the Padres (Chicago Tribune photo)

Second baseman Darwin Barney had two RBI doubles tonight as well, drew a walk and was 2-for-3.  It sure is good to have him back and see his bat come alive!

Darwin Barney had two RBIs against the Padres (Chicago Tribune photo)

Tomorrow the Cubs and Padres will play the second game of the four-game series at 7:05pm CT.  Edwin Jackson will start for the Cubs and try to earn his first win of the season.  Go Cubs Go!