Cubs Celebrate Family Day in Style

Showing no signs of 12 days off, the Cubs celebrated Family Day at Murphey Candler by ripping the Orioles 12-2 in their regular season finale. Coach Matt Garrett said it was the perfect way to head into the playoffs. "Our guys are ready," proclaimed the confident coach who saw his team finish the rain-shortened regular season with a 5-6-1 record. The playoffs likely open on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Three Cubs pitchers, Parker Garrett, Mick Madden and Charley Casey, combined on a 2-hitter, striking out 9 Orioles in a game shortened to 4 innings by the mercy rule. Parker turned in his best mound performance of the season, at one point striking out 7 batters in a row. He struck out the side in the 2nd inning, requiring just 11 pitches.

Gameball honors were shared by Mick and Parke Schalon. Not only was Mick stellar on the mound, but banged out 3 hits, knocked in a run and scored another. As for Parke, he drew two walks and scored a run while turning in a pair of defensive gems.

It was a big game for Trevor Meyer who walked twice and scored three times; Charley had a base hit and scored twice; Parker ripped a double, 2 singles, knocked in two runs and scored twice; Alex smashed 3 towering balls into the outfield while knocking in 3 runs; Jordan roped a single and scored a run; Blake Byrd had a walk and an RBI; Brandon Shockley walked to knock in a run; Jack "Nike" Bapst drew two walks and scored; and Jack Fiscella nearly gunned down a runner at the plate with a perfect strike from 3rd base.