In my first of at least three MLB playoff games this week, the Chicago Cubs lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers last night 7-2 at Wrigley Field. It was the first time the Dodgers opened a postseason series with a win since the 1988 World Series.

The Game
The game started off well for the Cubs when Mark DeRosa hit a pop fly that the wind carried over the right field fence for a home run. This moment had us asking – were the fates finally with the Cubs?

That question was quickly answered. In the top of the 3rd inning, Ryan Dempster loaded the bases which he also able to work through. But he also loaded the bases in the top of the 5th inning. Very rarely can a pitcher get out of two bases loaded jams in the same game. Dempster did his best though. He had Matt Loney with two strikes and two outs in the inning when Loney homered to center field for a grand slam – Dodgers 4, Cubs 2.

As soon as the ball went over the wall the intensity of the stadium went with it. Cubs fans were quiet the rest of the game as the Dodgers added three more runs in the late innings.

Obtaining Tickets
The Ultimate Sports Wife and I already had tickets with our season ticket package. However, friends of mine bought tickets for $125 each in our same section (face value was $30 each).

Playoff Ticket Tip: Divisional Series playoff games, in my experience, are pretty hit or miss when it comes to the secondary ticket market. If you want cheap tickets hope your team’s playoff games fall on weekday afternoons. I have had success buying tickets under face value for games in San Francisco, Oakland, San Diego and Chicago (the White Sox that is). Of course, those games started before 5 pm on a Tuesday or Wednesday.

Post Game Dining
To drown our sorrows and to get away from Wrigley Field we walked a few blocks to the Mexican restaurant, El Mariachi at 3420 N. Broadway St. The restaurant was empty after the game. They make guacamole right at your table and have drink specials every evening.

Note: Nicole and I did not spill a beer at this game. Last year, we debated on whether to spill a beer or not. Both times a beer has taken a tumble at Wrigley Field (during the 2003 and 2007 playoffs), the Cubs have won their home game. If we have not, they have lost.