Cubs win 6-3 over the Brewers in first home win of the season; Photos from the Home Opener

The Cubs beat the Milwaukee Brewers 6-3 in their first home win of the season tonight.  It was also the first night game at Wrigley Field this year.

Travis Wood started for the Cubs but ended up with a no-decision as Carlos Marmol earned the win and Kyuji Fujikawa earned the save.  If you're looking for more details on the win, you can go to cubs.com.

The Cubs broke their 4-game losing streak with tonight's win and the fans that braved the cold night were rewarded with being able to sing "Go Cubs Go."

Yesterday was the Cubs home opener, which I was lucky enough to attend and sit in the 4th row behind the Cubs bullpen.  Even though they couldn't pull off a "W" yesterday, it was still really special to be back at Wrigley taking in a game and enjoying the beautiful weather.  Although it was pouring rain earlier that morning, the skies cleared and the sun came out and for most of the game it was in the mid-60's.  It was definitely one of the nicer weather home openers I've been to at the Friendly Confines.  Anyway, following are some photos I took at the game.  Hope you enjoy them!

Cubs players warming up before the home opener (photo by Karen Burchell)

Edwin Jackson warming up before starting the home opener (photo by Karen Burchell)

David DeJesus warming up before the home opener (photo by Karen Burchell)

Anthony Rizzo and Alfonso Soriano greet each other during player introductions (photo by Karen Burchell)

Cubs warming up before the home opener (photo by Karen Burchell)

Cubs players on the field during player introductions before the home opener (photo by Karen Burchell)

Beautiful Wrigley Field  (photo by Karen Burchell)

The Wrigley Field marquee welcomes fans to Opening Day (photo by Karen Burchell)

Tomorrow the Cubs and Brewers will play the rubber game of the three-game series at 7:05pm CT.  Scott Feldman will make the start for the Cubs and try to earn his first win with the team. 

Jeff Samardzija leads Cubs to 3-1 win over Pirates to open the 2013 season

The Cubs opened their 2013 season by winning 3-1 against the Pirates in Pittsburgh.  Jeff Samardzija had an excellent start to the season by allowing just two hits and walking just one batter and striking out nine over eight shutout innings pitched.  This was the Shark's first career Opening Day start.

Cubs players lined up on the field before taking on the Pirates in Pittsburgh on Opening Day (photo from @Cubs on Twitter)

Maybe it was good luck that the pack of baseball cards I picked up this morning had this card in it:

My lucky baseball card on Opening Day!

Anyway back to the game: Anthony Rizzo connected with the first pitch that was thrown to him and gave the Cubs an early 2-0 lead in the first inning with a 438-foot home run to center field.

The Cubs held the lead the entire game, even after Dale Sveum sent in Carlos Marmol in the ninth inning and he allowed a run to score before being pulled for lefty reliever James Russell.  Russell got the second out and was followed by Kyuji Fujikawa, who made his MLB debut and threw two pitches to get the final out and the save.  Phew! 

In other Cubs news, second baseman Darwin Barney was placed on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive to Sunday) after suffering a deep laceration on his left kneecap during the exhibition game against the Astros on Saturday.  "I thought by sliding, I'd be protecting myself," Barney said. "There's a concrete corner and slab on the bottom [of the wall].  I ran right into that.  When I pulled my pant leg up, i was pretty freaked out, and didn't have any idea [the cut] was there."

Barney also added, "You spend your whole offseason thinking about today [Opening Day] -- when you're in the gym, when you're pushing yourself.  We had a good spring as a club.  We did a lot of things positively.  It's unfortunate, but the good thing is we have guys who can fill in like Lillibridge and Gonzalez, who are good players."  Get well soon, Darwin!

Infielder Alberto Gonzalez was added to the 40-man roster and Brent Lillibridge played second base in today's season opener.  The Cubs also officially added pitcher Scott Baker to the 60-day disabled list for a strained right elbow and starting pitcher Matt Garza (strained lat) and third baseman Ian Stewart (sore left quad) to the 15-day disabled list.

The Cubs optioned outfielder Brett Jackson to Triple-A Iowa and designated right-handed pitcher Robert Whitenack for assignment earlier today.

Tomorrow the Cubs have the day off (already!) before playing their first night game of the season against the Pirates on Wednesday at 6:05pm CT. 

Cubs win 4-3 over Indians; Injury updates and Opening Day starting lineup

The Cubs won 4-3 over the Cleveland Indians on Sunday in Goodyear, Arizona.  Chris Rusin made the start for the Cubs and allowed two hits while walking three and striking out three over six innings pitched.

Chris Rusin allowed just two hits against the Indians on Sunday (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Michael Bowden replaced Rusin in the sixth inning and pitched 1 2/3 perfect innings.  Although Rusin was considered for a spot in the Cubs bullpen, the team decided that it would make more sense to keep Rusin at Triple-A Iowas as a sixth starter.

"You've got to stay positive,'' Rusin said.  "It's difficult not to make any team, but you just take it as a learning experience.  I'll go down and work on things I have to work on and be ready when they call.'' 

In other Cubs news, right handed starting pitcher Scott Baker will be shut down and out of commission for at least a month with a right elbow strain.  Baker is still recovering from Tommy John surgery that he had in April 2012.

Scott Baker is still recovering from Tommy John surgery (photo from Chicago Tribune)

The earliest third baseman Ian Stewart could play will be five weeks.  He has been sidelined with a sore left quad since February 21st and will start the season on the disabled list.  Stewart will stay in Arizona until the Minor League teams begin their seasons.  If things progress on track, Stewart could be ready to rejoin the Cubs around the end of April or beginning of May.

Starting pitcher Matt Garza is scheduled to have a bullpen session during the first week of April.  Garza suffered a lat injury this spring after he missed the last two months of the 2012 season with an elbow injury and will start the season on the disabled list.

Relief pitcher Rafael Dolis was optioned to Triple-A Iowa today, reducing the spring roster to 34 players.  Dave Sappelt was scratched from today's lineup since he suffered a bruised neck after being hit during the game on Saturday.  He is expected to be back in a few days.

On a lighter note, shortstop Starlin Castro turned 23 years  old today.  Happy Birthday, Starlin!

Tomorrow the Cubs will play the San Francisco Giants at 3:05 pm CST.  Travis Wood will make the start for the Cubs against Ryan Vogelsong.

Cubs uniforms being prepped for the season (photo by @CarrieMuskat on Twitter)

Manager Dale Sveum has set the starting lineup for Opening Day, which will include: David DeJesus leading off and followed by Starlin Castro, Anthony Rizzo, Alfonso Soriano, Nate Schierholtz, Welington Castillo, Luis Valbuena and Darwin Barney.  Only 8 more days until the Cubs open their season in Pittsburgh. 

Cubs win 5-2 against Padres; Spring roster cuts; Opening Day lineup

The Cubs won 5-2 against the San Diego Padres in today's spring training game at the Peoria Sports Complex.  Edwin Jackson was excellent as he allowed just one run on three hits with one walk and three strikeouts over six innings.

Dave Sappelt hit a three-run homer against the Padres on Monday (photo from cubs.com)

Dave Sappelt's three-run homer helped bring the Cubs their victory.  Utility player Brent Lillibridge (who played first base in today's game) had two hits, including a triple to lead off the seventh inning.

As expected, the Cubs reduced their spring roster from 53 to 46 players today.  Junior Lake and Josh Vitters were optioned to Triple-A Iowa, Christian Villanueva was optioned to Double-A Tennessee and Jorge Soler was optioned to Single-A Daytona.  Non-roster spring training invitees Barret Loux, Javier Baez and Rafael Lopez were assigned to minor league camp.

In other Cubs news, pitcher Scott Baker had soreness in his right elbow so he underwent an MRI today.  The Cubs will find out the results of the MRI on Tuesday.

Tomorrow, Chris Rusin will make his third start of the spring when the Cubs play the Texas Rangers at HoHoKam Stadium.  Manager Dale Sveum is planning on using his projected Opening day lineup in tomorrow's game, which will be: DeJesus (CF), Castro (SS), Rizzo (1B), Soriano (LF), Schierholtz (RF), Castillo (C), Valbuena (3B), Barney (2B).  The game can be heard on cubs.com at 3:05pm CST.

Dale Sveum will use his projected Opening Day lineup in Tuesday's game against the Rangers (photo from Jesse Rogers, ESPN.com)

And speaking of Opening Day, it's just 14 days away!  Go Cubs Go!

Cubs to offer 6 and 9-game packs to go on sale 1/23 at 10am CST

The Cubs will offer 6-game packs and 9-game packs which will go on sale Wednesday, January 23rd at 10am CST and no online service fees will be charged.  Both 6 and 9-game packs will be sold online only at www.cubs.com/packs

Cubs 6-Game Pack
The Cubs 6-Game Pack provides a choice of six different pre-selected, six-game plans, with each option tailored to different fan interests.  Options include the “Bobblehead Pack,” featuring four game dates that include bobblehead giveaways; the “Topps Baseball Card Pack,” featuring promotional dates with the opportunity to secure a complete 82-card set of specially-created Cubs Topps Baseball Cards; the “Early Weekend Pack,” featuring six Friday afternoon games with several promotional dates included; the “Prime Pack,” featuring Interleague Play and rivalry match-ups with several promotional dates included; and two “Sunday Family Pack” options, featuring Sunday game dates with several promotional dates and the opportunity for kids 13-and-under to run the bases post-game.
The Cubs 6-Game Pack is available in both the Budweiser Bleachers and the reserved seating bowl of Wrigley Field.  Fans must order the same number of tickets for each of the six games in their package.  Prices start at just $116 before City and County Amusement taxes for a “Topps Baseball Card Pack” in the Upper Deck Reserved Outfield section, with other prices varying based on plan and location.  No service fees will be charged for the Cubs 6-Game Pack.

Cubs 9-Game Pack
The Cubs 9-Game Pack provides fans with a guaranteed opportunity to attend some of the highest-profile games of the 2013 season.  Fans can customize their nine-game pack when advancing through the order process on www.cubs.com/packs, including two selectable Marquee games and a choice of seven other games throughout the season.  Overall, fans can select from more than 50 games when purchasing the Cubs 9-Game Pack.

The Cubs 9-Game Pack is available in both the Budweiser Bleachers and the reserved seating bowl of Wrigley Field.  Fans must order the same number of tickets for each of the nine games in their package.  Prices start at just $129 before City and County Amusement taxes for a Cubs 9-Game Pack in the Upper Deck Reserved Outfield section, with other prices varying based on game selection and location.  No service fees will be charged for the Cubs 9-Game Pack.

“The Cubs 6-Game Pack and Cubs 9-Game Pack give our fans a chance to purchase their must-have dates for the 2013 season before single game tickets go on sale March 8,” said Colin Faulkner, Vice President of Ticket sales and service.  “These ticket packs feature a selection of our most popular opponents, dates and promotions, resulting in a ticket plan that can be tailored for every fan.”

Now, who's going to Opening Day on April 8th?