Brandon Guyer hit a solo homer at Wrigley Field, then fell a double shy of the cycle. (Craig Watson Photography) MiLB Headlines Lopez unhittable for Timber Rattlers Royals' Lamb finally finds results for Rocks Norris clears his head, finds groove for Lansing Fantasy: Forecasting Gausman, Gibson 'Stubborn' Stephenson shows Reds his potential Rockies' Murphy serious about catching McBride hanging RBIs out to dry for Sky Sox Wong, Peterson have big nights in Memphis' rout Reno's Skaggs goes long, fans season-high 10 Pirates' Polanco, Hanson friends on, off field Cubs' Almora gets three hits in season debut Rattlers' Reed ties mark with three triples Ryan joins Astros, leaves behind major impact ADVERTISEMENT

Print this page   E-mail this page

The Hall of Famer and Peoria manager had been the main draw to the first Minor League baseball game in the 94-year history of the Friendly Confines.

The game resumed Wednesday night and Luis Bautista provided the storybook finish, delivering a two-RBI single to cap a three-run 12th and give Sandberg's Chiefs a 9-8 victory.

As expected, the attendance at Wrigley Field shattered the Midwest League single-game record as 32,103 fans filled the Friendly Confines. Fans were treated to an atypical offensive display, with the teams combining for 24 hits, including three home runs.

The Cougars struck first in the top of the second inning, when first baseman Greg Dowling hit his ninth home run of the season to right-center. He is batting .253 with 48 RBIs in his second season with Kane County.

"I was just on cloud nine running around the bases," Dowling said. "Then I got to the dugout and everybody was smiling and started cheering a little bit. I think I kept a pretty straight face running around. It was pretty sweet."

However, the Chiefs responded strongly in the bottom of the inning as first baseman Rebel Ridling and right fielder Brandon Guyer hit back-to-back home runs for a 3-1 lead.

"It was definitely the most fans I've ever played in front of, and to go back-to-back like that was really cool, too," Guyer said.

The Chiefs padded their lead in the fifth with two runs on three singles, knocking out Kane County starter Jamie Richmond after 4 1/3 innings.

The Peoria bullpen relinquished the lead in the sixth. After D.J. Hollingsworth drew a leadoff walk, the Cougars produced four straight singles, scoring twice and loading the bases. After Sandberg changed pitchers, bringing in Craig Muschko, Cougars catcher Petey Paramore clubbed a double to right-center, giving Kane County a 6-5 lead.

•  Wrigley sets record in Minors matchup •  Sandberg cheered in return to Wrigley •  Prospects have blast at Wrigley •  A's first-round pick injured in Chicago •  Chiefs, Cougars enjoying experience •  Schulze emotional about homecoming •  Sandberg upset about missing brawl •  Minors in limelight on "Road to Wrigley" •  Sandberg ready for return •  Nieckula still a Cub at heart •  Prospects excited to play at Wrigley

"The first two at-bats didn't go too smooth. I was like, 'Man, I've got to get a hit at Wrigley,'" said Paramore. "Then, bases loaded, 0-2, you couldn't have scripted it any better."

Guyer continued to play the part of Chiefs hero in the seventh, leading off the inning with a triple to right-center. He scored his second run of the game on Luis Flores' sacrifice fly to shallow right field.

In the bottom of the ninth, Guyer left himself a double short of the cycle by clubbing a one-out single. The University of Virginia product swiped second for his 15th steal of the season and Cliff Anderson followed with a single. The game was suspended during Luis' Flores at-bat.

The game proved a necessary distraction for the Chiefs, who made national news last week as a result of a bench-clearing brawl with the Dayton Dragons.

Seven players were ejected and Peoria played at Wrigley Field with the knowledge that suspensions are pending. Sandberg, who was in Cooperstown for Hall of Fame ceremonies when the brawl occurred, called Tuesday's game a "shot in the arm."

Guyer, who was ejected for his participation in the Dayton brawl, used Tuesday as a chance to move forward.

"It's great to move on from. That's something that's never good for a team," he said. "We're fighting on and we're playing good, and we're just trying to play good baseball."

Before the game, Sandberg credited Minor League prices as part of the reason for the event's success. Tickets were as cheap as $10-$15, offering Chicagoans a significant discount on entrance to the famed ballpark.

"There might be some people here who never had a chance to come to Wrigley Field, but under this circumstance, it's a great situation for them," Sandberg said.

The teams combined to break their own record after drawing 14,492 to Kane County's Elfstrom Stadium on Aug. 11, 2007.

Sandberg predictably received a standing ovation during pregame introductions. He said his goal is to coach in the Major Leagues, hopefully for the Cubs. Sandberg had not been in uniform at Wrigley Field since Sept. 21, 1997.

After the game, Sandberg said the Cubs are hoping for a similar event annually, although he may not be present next year as the organization will likely rotate its Minor League affiliates each season.

Bryan Smith is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Print this page   E-mail this page