In my 800th Major League Baseball game since 1990 (including Spring Training and Playoff games), the Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-5. Since I was planning to take the subway to Soldier Field for the Barcelona vs. Chivas game, I was hoping for a quick baseball game. With the game heading to the 8th inning and the Cubs leading the game 5-2, I thought a shortly after 4 pm departure was almost guaranteed – leaving me with enough time to get to Solider Field for the 6 pm soccer start.

However, the Pirates tied the game 5-5 in the top of the 8th when Andy LaRoche hit a 2-run home run. I began to get nervous that the Cubs game would last longer than I was hoping and that it could last forever (I do not believe in leaving a sporting event early to attend another sporting event).

I was saved in the bottom of the 8th, when Reed Johnson hit an 0-2 pitch with 2 outs over the left field wall for another 2-run home run – giving the Cubs the permanent lead.

After the game ended around 4:15 pm, I met the Ultimate Sports Wife for a subway train ride down to Soldier Field.