10/3 LaHair: “That game was for her”
Wednesday’s game was more than No. 162 for Bryan LaHair. It was a chance for him to make his grandmother Theresa smile. LaHair hit a solo home run in the second and a walk-off RBI single with two outs in the ninth to lift the Cubs to a 5-4 victory over the Astros. This was personal for LaHair, and not just because it was a chance to redeem himself after going from National League All-Star to bench player following the rise of Anthony Rizzo. LaHair’s grandmother is battling cancer and it’s been a difficult fight.
“That game was for her today,” LaHair said.
With the game tied at 4 in the ninth against Hector Ambriz (1-1), Anthony Recker walked and was lifted for pinch-runner Darwin Barney, who moved up one out later on Tony Campana’s bunt single. One out later, Starlin Castro, the only regular in the starting lineup on the last day of the season, playing in his 162nd game, drew a walk to load the bases. LaHair then lined the first pitch to right for the game-winner.
LaHair talked to his mother last night to get an update.
“The last thing my mom said was, ‘Get one for her,’” LaHair said. “I told her to let [his grandmother] know I’ll get one.”
The Cubs ended with 101 losses, second-most in franchise history, and behind only the 1962 and ’66 teams that finished 59-103.
– Carrie Muskat
mlblogsmuskat1
Regardless of Bryan”s good/bad season, he is one of the nicest athletes in sports. Maybe he will end up in a good place next year, if we do not keep him.
No place as good as Wrigley Mamma. Let’s face it, Bryan had a fair opportunity to claim a spot and he dropped the ball. I hope that he is at least given a fair chance to claim RF again next season because his run production would be so much better than what we’ve had this season from RF. BUT….an ALL NEW, high run production, high defense outfield would be preferred!!
I accept responsibility for being way too confident that Bryan had a recession proof swing especially if he would continue taking lefthanders to left field. Wrong as heck. He was falling off before Rizzo came up–coasted into that all-star selection. He just kept missing really good pitches and off speed pitches just ate him up–but then he could not come close to catching up with fast balls either. Yesterdays game was like the old Bryan before all-star break but I do not have much faith in him being with the Cubs. He did prove that he is not a liability at first or outfield. Big decision by shirts on whether to keep him because he might go elsewhere and show out. Would I second guess them? Yes and yes.
I wouldn’t worry too much about LaHair going elsewhere and becoming the next Josh Hamilton. If that miracle happens so be it. He can be given a shot at RF next season with the Cubs but that would only be if the team gets by on the cheap, otherwise I’m ready to see all three outfield positions filled by all around ballplayers with more than one skill and PLENTY of RBI potential, to help take the load off the abysmal RBIs from third base.
awwww that’s so nice of him for that!
ahhh Cubs season is done. Hopefully next year! (at least we aren’t AS emberessed as the Soxs should be! haha!!)
But do you know who crossed the plate for the final run!?…BARNEY!!!
Isabel….you DO have a nasty side!!!
Haha. Why just because I said that bad comment about the Soxs!? Haha!
Absolutley! You go girl!!
Haha my dad raised me well!
I might be a girl but I love baseball! <3 (: