Morning Box Score
By Marcus Gilmer in News on Sep 26, 2010 2:00PM
Cubs Trip Up Cards
The Cubs overcame a rough first few innings and settled in for a 7-3 win over the rival Cardinals on Saturday. Rookie pitcher Casey Coleman gave up three runs early but settled in for seven solid innings, enough to earn his third win of the season. Offensively, the Cubs broke the game open in the third with four runs (all with two ours) the small-ball way, using walks and singles to advance runners and knock 'em in. Blake DeWitt, Aramis Ramirez, and Sam Fuld each had two RBI in the win. The Cubs try to take the series this afternoon in their home finale (1:20 p.m., WGN).
Sox Spank Halos
John Danks gave up a pair of runs in the first inning but then cruised as the Sox spanked the Angels 7-2. Alexei Ramirez had a two-run single early in the game and Ramon Castro added a solo homer later as the Sox knocked around the Angels' pitching. And Danks wound up throwing eight innings of solid ball, enough to earn his career-high 14th win of the season. The Sox go for the sweep this afternoon before returning home for the final week of the 2010 season (2:35 p.m., CSN).
Fire Fall To Seattle
The Fire gave up a late goal to Seattle's Blaise Nkufo which gave Seattle a 1-0 win and put them right in the thick of the playoff race but has most likely ensured the Fire won't be seeing post-season action in 2010. The Fire had opportunities, particularly from Marco Pappa, but failed to convert on any of them and Nkufo scored in the 88th minute, the game's only goal. The Fire are 11 points back of the final playoff spot with six games remaining so making the playoffs isn't impossible, just improbable. Next up is a trip out to San Jose on Wednesday (10 p.m., CSN+).
Blackhawks Double Up Red Wings
The Blackhawks continued their preseason with a 4-2 win over Detroit. Ryan Potulny struck first for the 'Hawks and Duncan Keith added a power-play goal to give the 'Hawks a 2-0 lead in the second period. Jack Skille and Marian Hossa (short-handed) scored in the third to ice the 'Hawks victory. Marty Turco got the start in goal, stopping 23 of 25 shots he faced. Prior to the game, the 'Hawks also trimmed up their preseason roster, cutting 10 players.
College Football
Notre Dame's struggles in 2010 - and against ranked opponents - continued as the Irish fell to No. 16 Stanford 37-14. The Irish were close at 10-6 in the second quarter but the Cardinal racked up 24-straight points to sprint past ND. Dayne Crist threw for 304 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT in the losing effort as the Irish fall to 1-3 on the year.
One team not struggling in 2010 is Northwestern who remains undefeated after holding off a late Central Michigan rally for a 30-25 win. Dan Persa threw for 280 yards and two TDs while the Wildcat defense forced three turnovers. The Chippewas rallied for two touchdowns late in the fourth quarter but they still weren't able to overcome the Wildcats (4-0) who rolled up 429 total yards on the day.
Chad Spann was the star for NIU yesterday as the Huskies upset Minnesota 34-23. Spann ran for 223 yards and a pair of touchdowns, accounting for a good chunk of NIU's 378 yards of offense. The Huskies (2-2) scored a pair of touchdowns, including a 61-yard run from Spann, in the fourth to keep the struggling Gophers at bay.