Morning Box Score

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Sep 26, 2008 2:20PM

Cubs Blow Lead To Mets
The Chicago Cubs got five RBIs from rookie first baseman Micah Hoffpauir in a 5-for-5 effort and got six solid innings from Rich Harden (three runs, four K's) but the bullpen let it go late, giving up five runs over the final three innings as the Mets beat the Cubs 7-6. Kevin Hart earned the loss, giving up the winning hit in the bottom of the ninth to Carlos Beltran. As for Hoffpauir, who ended the game lacking just a triple to hit for the cycle, it looks like he might have played his way on to the Cubs post-season roster, at least according to Lou: "You know, we're looking for a couple spots, we're looking for some offense. Put it this way, he'll be in the lineup [Friday] against Milwaukee." The Cubs travel to Milwaukee to close the season this weekend and will play someone next Wednesday at Wrigley to begin the playoffs.

Sox Swept By Twins
The Sox lost the third and final game of their crucial series with the Twins, 7-6. Benjy's up in a moment with the full recap.

Fire Burn Beckham, Galaxy
They came for the Beckham but stayed for the Fire: a sell-out crowd was on hand Thursday night at The Camry to see the Fire bounce back from a recent slump by beating the L.A. Galaxy 3-1. Chris Rolfe got things started with a goal in the 13th minute and L.A. got the equalizer courtesy of Eddie Lewis in the 35th minute. But in the second half, the Fire were able to shut down the Galaxy in the span of just a few minutes. Blanco, who had been helped off the field in the first half after a collision, returned to get his fifth goal of the season in the 57th minute to give the Fire the lead, and Chris Rolfe got his second goal of the game just two minutes later (59th minute) to give the Fire a bit of insurance. Fire keeper Jon Busch had three saves on the night. The Fire are now one point behind the New England Revolution for second place in the MLS Eastern Division and next head to Kansas City next Sunday.