6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0, ER, 3 BB, 0 K
Prior was ready to come back, that was pretty evident.
Prior retired 18 of the 19 batters he faced. Not wanting to push their luck, the Cubs coaching staff decided to pull him after six innings which in this case might have been the prudent thing to do. New addition Jerome Williams, pitched two scoreless innings after giving up a walk. I like Williams. Once he decides that he’ll get his stuff together, he’ll be a good addition to the Cubs staff.
Prior seemed tickled pink by Burnitz’ baserunning. Burnitz got on first via a Konerko error, stole second, took third on a wild pitch and scored on a sac fly. What year is this? 1908? Quoth Prior:
”I think what made it even a better ballgame was the way Burnitz ran the bases in that inning,” Prior said. “That insurance run was key.”
My Cub fan buddy TDChitown was at the Cell for the game. I talked to him this morning and I could practically hear him beaming. Prior was back healthy and strong, the Cubs took two of three from the Sox, things were looking up in Wrigleyville. He said the Cell was a great place to see a Sox/Cubs game save for the drunk Sox fans who wouldn’t stop whining about how “bad” the Cubs were. Seems kinda ironic since Prior was pitching a one-hitter against them.
The Cubs are more than ready to have Prior back. Not only that, Kerry Wood is scheduled to be back on Wednesday. Whether or not this translates to a possible run on the first place Cardinals remains to be seen.