The last time Matt Murton hit a game tying homer, the Chicago Cubs played an 18-inning marathon that lasted well over five hours. With his team down 1-0 in the eighth Wednesday, the redheaded left fielder again hit an opposite-field homer to even the score.
“‘Oh hell no,’ is what I thought,” said relief pitcher Bob Howry, who admitted he had coupons for the Admiral that expired Wednesday night. Howry got two outs in the ninth before giving up a walk, a single and an RBI double on the way to a Cubs 2-1 loss.
Phillies closer Tom Gordon was placed on the disabled list before the game, forcing manger Charlie Manuel to use two different relievers in the bottom of the ninth. The Cubs still went 1-2-3, proving either they just cant hit very well, or Howry had a four-for-one deal on the coupon.
Number of the night: 1
Consecutive days at the Cubs worksite without an injury.
