For the second day in a row, I helped friends purchase tickets to the Cubs game. Probably fearing a last minute phone call for the third time in four days, the Ultimate Sports Wife planned ahead of time to attend today’s game. However, I could not find free tickets today, although I did find tickets for under face value. A fan on Sheffield Ave. had four bleacher seats that we ended up paying $30 each ($45 face value).

Ticket Buying Tip: Check ticketing websites before heading to the ballpark to get the pulse of the ticket market. Cubs’ games are a hard ticket, but every day is different. I knew tickets would be around face value today since I had checked craigslist.org earlier in the day and most notices were asking for face value.

Pre Game Dining
Before we bought the tickets, we ate brunch at Uncommon Ground. We have now tried most of the brunch restaurants within a couple of blocks of Wrigley Field and Uncommon Ground is the best. It is not the cheapest but the food is creative, the drinks are strong and the atmosphere is upscale.

After brunch we went to Bernie’s Tavern on the corner of Clark St. and Waveland Ave. Bernie’s has a large beer garden in the back and a patio on the side.

The Game
The Astros shutout the Cubs today 3-0. It was the first time the Cubs were shut out in a 9-inning game since August 1 – a game they also lost 3-0. Note: The Ultimate Sports Wife and I ate brunch at Uncommon Ground on August 1. We may not be able to eat at Uncommon Ground before Cubs games in fear of a 3-0 loss.

Monday also marked the first time all season the Cubs lost 3 consecutive games at home (all games I attended).