Game#29, Mets at Cubs, 6/25/12

As we neared the All-Star break, it became apparent that this would not be the Cubs year to win it all. But they had moments where they shined so brightly! This would be one of those times.

The air was buzzing with the news that superstar prospect Anthony Rizzo would be called up soon.

Here's Luis Valbuena and bullpen guy Font shooting the breeze.

Here's my boy LaHomer.

The giveaway was a David DeJesus bobblehead. Angela admires.

No artist could hope to recapture the beauty of David DeJesus, but it was nice of them to try.

Here's Jeff Samardzija talking to Darwin.

Jeff Baker and Darwin.

I love how Darwin drinks his water like a closet alcoholic.

Oh look. It's that Blake Parker dude.

Here's David Wright. The best third baseman in baseball if you ask me.

Steve Clevenger shooting the breeze. He is always so happy. It just makes me happy.

The boys warmed up in their usual fun fashion.

Johan Santana, former Twin, warms up. I was excited to see him pitch.

But Travis Wood, my favorite starting pitcher, was on today. And he was amazing. He was making Cy-Young Award-winning pitchers look like chumps next to his prowess. I hope the Cubs hang on to him. He's going to be a star.

I was also hoping to see some studly plays by David Wright.

Great pitching duel. In the bottom of the fourth, Geo walked and then JoJo came to the plate and hit a home run. Cubs lead 2-0. Mather had just changed his jersey that day to number 21 to honor Roberto Clemente. I think he did him gooood.

Travis Wood kept dueling. He was fantastic.

And the band played on

Look at this well-pitched game. And look at Wright's numbers.

With one out, Soriano singled, and Jeff Baker doubled in the sixth.

Joe Mather was intentionally walked and they stranded all three.

Ronny Cedeno, former Cub, singled in the seventh.

They conferred on the mound. Mike Nickeas had also singled.

Justin Turner, who we had met before the game and was super nice, hit for Santana and ended the inning.

In the bottom of the seventh, things started to get weird, but in a good way for the Cubs.

Adrian Cardenas hit for Travis Wood and was safe on a rare David Wright error.

I honestly don't remember everything, but I know that Darwin Barney also reached on an error. Lucas Duda dropped the ball, then kicked the ball. Cardenas made it to third, then scored.

And Darwin Barney made it to third.

Starlin Castro ALSO reached on an error, this one by Cedeno, and Darwin scored.

I was starting to feel sorry for the Mets. Here's Matt Garza, who always entertains the crowd. I think it's impossible for him to stay in the dugout.

Soriano was walked and Castro to second.

Jeff Baker then singled, driving in Castro and moving over Sori.

By the end of the seventh inning, the Cubs were leading 6-0.

Shawn Camp came in to relieve in the eighth.

Also, here is one of my former students, Jordan Kalous. I found him in the bleachers with my camera.

In the eighth, Reed Johnson tripled like a boss, but he was left on base.

Here's Jordan as I send him tweets telling him what a creeper I am.

In the top of the ninth, my buddy James Russell came on.

Cubs win 6-0. Well-pitched, poorly fielded game.

Here's Jo Jo, unsuspecting.

But Matt Garza got him goooood.

Oh and here's Tony Campana. I'm surprised the camera was fast enough to catch him.

All of my photos from this game can be found at http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150923209908786.419307.511233785&type=3