Not that it takes the luster off a great win, but can someone explain to me why in the name of Honus Wagner we didn't intentionally walk Darwin Barney in the eighth inning of this game?

The score was tied with runners on second and third and only one out. Barney, who was hitting .297, came to the plate with the pitcher's spot on deck. Maybe earlier in the game you concede a run, but in the eighth you have to put the guy on base to set up a double play to get out of the inning.

The only thing I can think of is that Hurdle figured Veras matched up better against a righthander than he would against whatever lefthanded pinch hitter the Cubs had on the bench. I also figured Veras would just pitch him carefully and not leave anything in the strike zone.

Then he proceeded to throw a 3-2 meatball right down the heart of the plate that Barney grounded past shortstop for a go-ahead single.

I'm sure Hurdle has forgotten more baseball than I'll ever know, but I can tell you that if McKenry hadn't gone yard in the bottom of the inning, he'd be the goat this morning for that brain fart.