Guest LdySphynx Posted October 2 Report Share Posted October 2 LMAO, the Curse lives on.CHICAGO -- Not even a miracle can get the Chicago Cubs to the postseason now. J.D. Drew hit a go-ahead two-run triple with one out in the eighth inning Saturday to lift the Atlanta Braves to an 8-6 victory over the Cubs and eliminate them from postseason play. Chicago started the day two games behind Houston and San Francisco in the National League Wild Card race. Now, the Cubs are at least two games out with one game remaining. Mathematically, they're done. It was Chicago's seventh loss in the last eight games. The Cubs did what they do best, and that is hit home runs. Sammy Sosa, Moises Alou and Aramis Ramirez each connected to raise the team's National League-leading total to 232. Sosa belted career homer No. 574 leading off the fourth to move into sole possession of seventh on the all-time list. Alou tied his career high with his 38th homer in the fifth, a three-run shot, and Ramirez followed Alou's blast with his 36th. Carlos Zambrano missed his bid to finish with a career-high 17 wins. The Cubs starter had given up four earned runs in five starts in September and was named National League Pitcher of the Month earlier in the day. Against the Braves, Zambrano was charged with five runs on nine hits and one walk over 5 2/3 innings. He finished with a 2.75 ERA for the season, which ranks among the NL leaders. The Cubs and Braves were definitely in different mindsets. The Braves, who won the East Division, are trying to line up their pitching for the playoffs. The Cubs will finish with consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 1971-72. "If you go home and you're not the last one standing, it's disappointing," Cubs pitcher Mike Remlinger said. "It's going to be disappointing this year. When you go home early, you feel like you didn't fulfill your dream." The Cubs will officially end the season Sunday, sending Greg Maddux to the mound against his former team. Alou hit an RBI single in the third, driving in Zambrano, who had singled to lead off, and advanced on a wild pitch by Braves starter John Thomson. Thomson, scheduled to start Game 2 of the Division Series, left after three innings because of a stiff back. Adam LaRoche hit a sacrifice fly in the Braves' fourth to tie the game. Sosa gave the Cubs a 2-1 lead with his home run in the fourth. Sosa launched a 3-1 pitch from former teammate Juan Cruz to center field for his 35th homer of the season to move past Harmon Killebrew (573) on the all-time list. Next up is Mark McGwire at 583. The Braves tied the game on a run-scoring groundout by Marcus Giles in the fifth. The Braves loaded the bases, but Zambrano struck out Johnny Estrada on a called third strike. Braves coach Pat Corrales argued the call from the dugout, and was ejected. Zambrano singled and Nomar Garciaparra walked with one out in the fifth to set up Alou's home run, and Ramirez followed with his 36th. It was the 12th time the Cubs have hit back-to-back homers this season. Alou also hit 38 homers in 1998 with Houston. Eli Marrero homered with two out in the Braves' sixth, Rafael Furcal hit an RBI double and Giles added an RBI single to close to 6-5 and chase Zambrano. He threw his hat into the stands as he walked off the field. Atlanta had runners at first and second with one out in the eighth when Baker called on Remlinger, who served up Drew's triple into the gap in right-center field. Drew then scored on Wilson Betemit's sacrifice fly. Kyle Farnsworth (4-5) took the loss. John Smoltz finished the game for his 44th save. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JMT Posted October 2 Report Share Posted October 2 and steve bartman suffers in seclusion for another year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LdySphynx Posted October 2 Report Share Posted October 2 and steve bartman suffers in seclusion for another year.LOL, poor guy...yes he does. Unless they blame it on Garciaparra this time, like I said the Sox's curse was broken when they traded Garciaparra to the Cubs!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest swirlundergrounder Posted October 3 Report Share Posted October 3 and steve bartman suffers in seclusion for another year.LOL, poor guy...yes he does. Unless they blame it on Garciaparra this time, like I said the Sox's curse was broken when they traded Garciaparra to the Cubs!!!No. The Sox curse isn't broken until they win the World Series which unfortunately doesn't look like it's going to happen...I'm also a Sox fan but the way they are closing out the season doesn't look to good....Not the way you want to go into the post season potentially facing a hot Anaheim Angels squad.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest trancelator Posted October 3 Report Share Posted October 3 I was hoping the Rangers would make it cuz I think Soriano is a great player. However, the Angels being back in the playoffs is great b/c of Guerrero. He played on so many crappy Expos teams that it's nice to see a premier player get a shot in the post season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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