Cincinnati Reds @ Chicago Cubs (game 3)

The final game of this 3-game series, and my final game at Wrigley Field for this year, was a day game.  As I knew it was a day game and going to be very hot (remember, I only bought the ticket 4 days ago!), I chose a much cheaper seat up in section 524, as I remember from last year that up the top, you get a nice cooling breeze through, although you have to be in the back row to get the most benefit from it.   It was pleasant up there, as the temperatures hit the mid 90s.



This game was the most exciting of the three with fewer runs being scored in the early part of the game.  The Reds had edged in front 4-2 by the 8th inning.  The exciting new rookie Kris Bryant then tied the game with a 2-run HR in the bottom of the 8th to send everybody delirious.  The stadium was even shaking.  He keeps seeming to get the big hits for the Cubs and should be a fixture in the team for many years to come.  Unfortunately for him, though, you can go from hero to zero in the space of minutes, as he failed to stop a ball in the top of the 9th inning to let Jay Bruce reach base with 2 out.  If he makes the play, the top of the 9th is over.  However, the error allowed Joey Votto come to the plate and he promptly hit a 3-run home run to re-establish the Reds' lead.  Aroldis Chapman came in to pitch the bottom of the 9th and didn't have his fireball stuff (just the one pitch over 100mph today!) but didn't need it as he put away the Cubs to seal the series win for Cincinnati.

I didn't hurry back to the hotel, as I didn't want to ride in a crowded subway train.  As it was, I got a seat and cooled down.  The subway stop is 2 blocks from my hotel, so I made it back to my room without get too hot.