9/27/08 @ Milwaukee; W 7-3; (97-63)

They did it. The Cubs won their 97th game of the year, breaking a tie with the 1984 team for the most wins in my lifetime. The win total exceeds the total from every year since 1945. In 1945, Chicago won 98 games and advanced to the World Series. My uncle and grandmother attended one game at Wrigley.

Ted Lilly was not only superb in the 97th win, he was reminiscent of the game he pitched following Zambrano's no hitter. Eerily reminiscent, since he went six no hit innings then...and again today. Eerily reminiscent, since it was broken up in the seventh by the first hitter...both wearing number 8.

Not bad for the #4 starter in the playoffs. Two six inning no hitters in the month of September. Is this team deep or what?

Speaking of deep, Chicago was out to a 4-0 lead through six innings... with no starters playing! My apologies to Kosuke Fukudome and Reed Johnson. Both of you have been on the lineup card numerous times this year. However, it was Daryle Ward homering with Ronny Cedeno on base to give the Cubs the early 2-0 lead. Then it was Mike Fontenot driving in Cedeno and Micah Hoffpauir to extend the lead. I will give 100 to 1 odds that none of those four names make a starting lineup throughout the playoffs.

Once the Brewers rallied (thanks Jason Marquis) these reserves came right back. A pinch hit single by Ryan Theriot was followed by a home run by Kosuke Fukudome. Mike Fontentot drove in another run (Cedeno) to increase the lead to four.

What about Mr. Fontentot? Two more hits today and three rbi. That puts him at 8 out of 13 in the last three days. I think he is my choice for the first left hander off the bench during the playoffs.

In my mind, this win makes tomorrow completely meaningless. While we could tie the 1945 team in total wins, they only played 154 games, so winning percentage still goes to that team. Almost all team records for Chicago since 1945 have been matched or beaten. Not that Lou hasn't been taking it easy, resting most starters, but tomorrow is much like the last spring training game. Get every one an at bat, throw a few pitchers, and get ready for Wednesday.

We still don't know who we play Wednesday. Thanks to the Mets win, and the Cubs defeat of Milwaukee, they are deadlocked for the wild card. The Cubs get the Mets, should they prevail. Otherwise it is the Dodgers should the Brewers get in.

We do know at this point that Dempster will get the start in that game, regardless the opponent. I will be there, as I was last year at the disappointing loss to Arizona. The atmosphere will surely be different than one year ago. GO CUBS GO!