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!

Scott Baker's Cubs debut; Rookie Hazing Day Costumes

The Cubs lost 3-1 to the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday at Wrigley Field, but still had some fun on Rookie Hazing day, when players followed the tradition of dressing in costumes for their roadtrip to Cincinnati.  More on that later.

Scott Baker made his Cubs debut and pitched for the first time in a big league game since August of 2011.  He underwent Tommy John surgery on April 17, 2012.  The Cubs signed Baker to a one-year, $5.5 million contract in the off-season. 

Scott Baker made an impressive Cubs debut against the Brewers (photo by Karen Burchell)

Baker made an impressive start and allowed just two hits, walked one and struck out one over five innings pitched.  He was on a 75-pitch limit and was lifted after throwing 55 pitches.  "First time out, he did a great job and we'll leave it at that and evaluate going forward," Cubs manager Dale Sveum said.

"There were some emotions there," Baker said.  "It's been a long, long road, and I'm happy my family was here to share this moment.  They're as much a part of this as I am."  At least Baker finally got to make his first start since becoming a Cub, but who knows if he'll be around next season.

Now back to the rookie hazing costumes.  Even though some people are offended by players dressing in embarrassing costumes for their roadtrip, I personally think it's fun to see and shows another side of the players (Although I do wonder if this year's lingerie theme may have been inspired by Miley Cyrus' controversial performance at the VMAs?)  Here are some photos from Twitter:

Cubs reliever Blake Parker signed for fans while in costume

Pitcher Chris Rusin in his rookie hazing costume

Junior Lake in his rookie hazing costume

Logan Watkins in his rookie hazing costume

Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo in costume (even though he technically isn't a rookie!)

Zac Rosscup (and Brooks Raley behind him) in their rookie hazing costumes

That's some good stuff you don't see every day.  Thanks to @wjude468 on Twitter for the photos.

Tonight the Cubs and Reds will play the first game of a three-game series in Cincinnati.  The Cubs will then travel to Pittsburgh and then Milwaukee before heading back to Chicago for the final homestand of the 2013 season.  Travis Wood will start for the Cubs and try to earn his ninth win of the season.  First pitch is at 6:10pm CT.