Trip through the Rotation, Part 2-Electric Storm Boogaloo

Game 2, 5/14/05, Carlos Zambrano (GS 41, FP 8) vs. Livan Hernandez (66, 14)

WP--Hernandez
LP--Zambrano
S--Cordero

Seating--Section 216, Row 2, Seat 7
Hat--Ryne Sandberg day commemorative hat, Blue Cubbie C with "Sandberg 23" to the right of that. That's old school--most of the U of C connected contigent who read this blog weren't even at Chicago yet, hell, I hadn't technically started at that time--Sept. 21, 1997.

A couple of scattered thunderstorm cells delayed the start of Saturday night's game from 7:05 to 9:43. I just got home(1:41 am), so I'll write up what I feel like and edit/add tomorrow after the game--at 1:05 pm.

I manged to avoid getting wet almost entirely. It wasn't raining when the Metra dipped underground north of Alexandria, and when we popped out the other side of the Pentagon I couldn't see across the Potomac. By the time we got to t the stadium--albeit, I took the second transfer train to avoid being sardined--it had stopped. They had the tarp dumped and were starting to fold it about the proper game time, when they were told to get it back on--and it didn't rain for about an hour, but when it did it was another strong squall, which I got to watch roll in from one of the ramps. It was quite an impressive event and I'm glad I got to see it.

That stopped about 8:40, with the rain finally tapering off about 9 while they were starting to prep the field. Tonight they had an AAGPBL vet (who had a cameo in the film) throw out the first ball.

Here are a few quick additional thoughts:

--The Cubs drew no walks, and hacked at first pitches several times. No wonder they're three under .500.

--Both starting pitchers left in injury situations. They were supposed to have rebuilt the mound while the Nats were away, because it was causing problems. I wonder, given the rain, if they still don't have it right. I'll have to scan the Post over the next couple of days. (Quick check: Z, "tennis elbow", Livan, knee soreness.) FURTHER UPDATE: Zambrano's seems unrelated to the mound, but related to the 130-plus pitches he threw last Sunday...he has an MRI coming up. I hate Dusty.

--For the second time in seven games I've seen, they forgot to close the gate in center field before the first batter stepped in. Nice job, guys...

--A relief pitcher was allowed to bat. You don't see that every day.

--"All for one" did not work tonight.

--Foggy Bottom Brewpub Pilsner is really good. I'll miss it when going back to the upper deck peasantry.

--Livan looks even more huge close up. Well, duh, but you know what I mean. He's a big guy but a great athlete.