The 2001 Dodgers - Game Reports

Game 11
Dodgers 3 - Cubs 2

The Happy Joe's Dodgers took sole possession of the National League by slipping by the Pizza Hut Cubs 3-2 in a nail biter Monday night. Tanner Davis worked out of a bases loaded jam in the first, squeezing strikeouts between 2 hits and a walk. The Cubs struck the first blow however, when Casey Berg led off the top of the third with a single to right-center, his second hit of the game. Nick Heyerdahl sacrificed Berg to second. Davis then walked Devon Peacock. Berg advanced to third on a wild pitch during that walk. Rob Harris was intentionally walked to load the bases. Davis followed the Dodgers' plan by striking out the next 2 batters, but threw 2 wild pitches in the process allowing 2 Cubs to score. Davis recorded 7 of 9 outs on strikeouts, but the Dodgers never threatened through the first 3 innings.

Enter Keith Neuberger. Neuberger walked the first batter he faced in the Cub half of the 4th, then fanned the next 3 batters. He followed his hot start on the mound with a clutch 2 out, 2 run double in the bottom of the 4th. Neuberger drove in Tanner Davis and Sam Markham both of whom had walked earlier in the inning. Returning to the mound, Neuberger faced only one over the minimum the rest of the way, holding the top half of the Cubs potent line-up in check in the 5th and 6th. No outs Neuberger recorded being bigger than getting Cubs slugger Rob Harris to ground out to lead off the 6th.

Pete Loizzo got things started for the Dodgers with a one out single in the 6th . Loizzo then stole second after Tanner Davis had flown out to shallow right field. With a runner on second and 2 outs, Sam Markham singled sharply to center. Loizzo rounded third and headed for home challenging the arm of Cubs center fielder Casey Berg. Berg's throw was cut off by pitcher Doug Mellom, who relayed it to the plate. Loizzo arrived the same time as the ball and his hard slide jarred the ball loose from catcher Nick Heyerdahl giving the Dodgers the victory by the narrowest of margins.

The Cubs fall into a tie with the Phillies who are quietly climbing the National League leader board. Both teams have three losses, the Cubs' coming by a total of 3 runs. The Dodgers and Cubs meet 1 more time while both teams meet the Phillies twice. The Cardinals, Braves, and Giants have fallen off the pace, but remain well within reach of the league leaders.

The Dodgers return to action Thursday afternoon when they host the Tigers at 4:30 at Little League Park.