On Tuesday, the Chicago White Sox announced a new bar and restaurant will be opening up at Gate 5 of U.S. Cellular Field.

Bacardi at the Park will open on April 7, the White Sox home opener and will be open to the public during games. It will be operated by Gibsons Restaurant Group and the menu will feature Gibsons prime angus beef hamburgers, hand cut French fries, and in-house smoked barbecue baby back ribs, pulled pork and beef brisket.

“What we have heard from fans through the years is they would like more places to go before and after White Sox games, and with Bacardi at the Park, we are offering yet another option,” said Brooks Boyer, White Sox vice president of sales and marketing.

The White Sox will open their 2011 season in Cleveland, but will make their home debut against the Tampa Bay Rays as part of a long 10-game home stand.

CHICAGO (CBS) – It will be 46 degrees and rainy when Cubs take to the mound for their home opener at Wrigley Field, but the conditions aren’t putting a damper on the buzz at the Friendly Confines.

The Cubs take on the Pittsburgh Pirates at 1:20 p.m. at Wrigley Field.

Kerry Wood is back after two years, and he told the Associated Press “there’s a buzz.” As the team put on ski caps and hoods and headed out for practice Thursday afternoon.
“They always give us a good fight,” said Ryan Dempster, who will start for the Cubs against Pittsburgh’s Kevin Correia.

Carlos Pena, who signed with Chicago as a free agent after playing for Tampa Bay the last four years, is looking forward to playing in the second-oldest park in the majors. He played briefly with Boston in 2006 and spent four seasons in the AL East, so he’s already spent time in the oldest, Fenway Park.

But once he arrived to Wrigley on Thursday, he had to see for himself.

“I walked in this morning and I walked up on that concourse and got the fans’ perspective and all I said was, ‘Thank you.’ I’m pumped to be here,” he said.

Pena’s performance will be a pivotal one for the Cubs. He batted just .196 last season for the Rays but he has the left-handed power and the great glove at first base that Chicago needs.

Like teammate Matt Garza, who also came over from Tampa — his arrival via a trade — he’ll have to adjust to the weather, a new league and a home schedule heavy with day games.

“He’s going to be fine. He’s the kind of guy I think he’ll love it,” Cubs manager Mike Quade said.

Pena and Garza are newcomers and Wood is making his return after two seasons with Cleveland and the Yankees, but it’s Quade who really has a new task. He is going to run the team for the first time as the full-time manager. He was the skipper on an interim basis for the final 37 games a year ago after Lou Piniella retired in August. The Cubs responded with a 24-13 record.

Quade, who managed more than 2,000 minor league games and was Chicago’s third base coach before being promoted last season, brought along a familiar companion with him — his fungo bat.

“I always feel like a little kid,” he said, looking forward to Friday. “I think there will be a million emotions and I’ll deal with them however I do. My folks will be there, that’s great. Long journey and all that stuff.”

He has got a lot of work to do to improve on the Cubs’ fifth-place finish of last season. And no one needs to bring up that the Cubs haven’t won a World Series since 1908, a record of futility that always surfaces.

Also among the new faces is Andrew Belleson, who will announce the starting lineup as they tape the field. Belleson won the contest last week to become the new public address announcer at Wrigley Field, after working as the announcer and radio broadcaster for the Rockford RiverHawks for five years.

Meanwhile, new to the broadcast booth is Keith Moreland, the former Cubs right fielder who helped lead the team to a division championship in 1984. Moreland replaces the late Ran Santo.

“You cannot replace an icon who is irreplaceable as Ron Santo.” Moreland said last month. “All I can do is be me.”

Ryan Dempster will be the starting pitcher, followed by Carlos Zambrano, then Garza.

Acting legend Robert Redford will throw out the first pitch, and singing “Take Me out to the Ballgame” for the seventh-inning stretch is the late legend’s son, Ron Santo Jr.

Chicago White Sox’s legend Minnie Minoso will throw out the ceremonial first pitch during the team’s home opener on April 7.

This season marks the 60th anniversary of Minnie Minoso breaking the franchise’s color barrier.

The national anthem will be sung by Chris Young, the 2010 CMT Music Award winner, Grammy nominee for Best Male Country Vocalist.

Other festivities for the opening weekend include first pitches thrown out by Joel Osteen (4/8) and Matt Forte (4/9). Osteen is the Senior Pastor of Lakewood Church whose weekly ministries are broadcasted nationally every Sunday.

On Sunday April 10, the organization will honor Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner Mark Buehrle and Silver Slugger Award winner Alexei Ramirez with a pre-game ceremony. Fans will have the opportunity to view the awards on the main concourse after the start of the game.

The Tampa Bay Rays have already gotten off to their worst start in franchise history, now they’ll have to travel to Chicago to take on the White Sox in their home opener.

Given their recent matchups when facing Edwin Jackson, the Rays might have a difficult time earning their first win of the season and spoiling the White Sox’s home opener Thursday.

Tampa Bay has batted a miserable .136 and been outscored 22-7 during its 0-5 start. The Rays haven’t managed more than five hits in any game and have been held to one run in four contests.

One of those lowly performances was Wednesday’s 5-1 loss to the visiting Los Angeles Angels. B.J. Upton hit his second homer in as many games, and manager Joe Maddon held Manny Ramirez out of the lineup after he started the season 1 for 16.

“How many games have we’ve played? We’ve got plenty of time,” said Ramirez, who will miss Thursday’s contest against his former team for personal reasons.

Without Ramirez, the Rays are hoping to bounce back at U.S. Cellular Field, where they had a combined 22 runs and 24 hits while winning the final two of a three-game series last April.

Tampa Bay, though, is scheduled to face Jackson (1-0, 3.00 ERA), who became the third pitcher to no-hit the Rays in less than a year on June 25 while with Arizona. The right-hander, who played for Tampa Bay from 2006-08, held on for a 1-0 victory despite walking eight batters and throwing 149 pitches – the most in a nine-inning game in five seasons.

In his only other previous matchup against Tampa Bay in 2009, Jackson allowed three runs and six hits over eight innings in a 5-3 win for Detroit.

Jackson enters this game after yielding three runs and striking out seven in an 8-3 win at Cleveland on Saturday. The White Sox (3-2) seemed to give him plenty of support after batting .314 and scoring 40 runs in their first five games.

They had 18 hits during Wednesday’s 10-7 win in 12 innings in Kansas City after slugger Adam Dunn underwent an emergency appendectomy Tuesday night. The designated hitter, who homered in his White Sox debut, is expected to miss at least five games.

Carlos Quentin had a go-ahead two-out double in the ninth inning before the Royals tied it, then hit another double to open the 12th. Quentin also had his second home run of the season during a four-hit afternoon.

The White Sox might not need Quentin’s or Dunn’s help against David Price (0-1, 5.14), who is 0-3 with a 5.00 ERA in three career matchups with Chicago. The left-hander struck out seven in Friday’s season opener against Baltimore, but allowed four runs over seven innings in a 4-1 defeat.

“I felt good. But when you’re going against another team’s No. 1 and give up four runs, you’re going to lose,” said Price, who was 19-6 with a 2.72 ERA and finished second in the AL Cy Young Award voting in 2010. “I’ve got to get better.”

After losing six of eight matchups with the White Sox in 2009, the Rays claimed last season’s series by a 4-3 margin.

Copyright 2010 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. STATS LLC and The Associated Press contributed to this article. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

CHICAGO (WSCR) – White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper said morning that he thinks the White Sox have “a good chance to do some damage this year.”

Speaking on the Mully and Hanley Show, Cooper said, “We’ve got a nice team… it’s going to be fun to watch. Heck, I think we’ve got a good chance to do some damage this year.”

Cooper also said fans should cut pitcher Will Ohman some slack, because his performance is improving.

“You go out there a few times, get him out, and then you get on a roll, so that’s what we’re trying to get out of him – we’re trying to get him in and out now, get him to have some success, and build up some confidence,” Cooper said.

The team is also trying to build Jake Peavy back into shape following his surgery.

“We are counting on Jake to help us win a pennant – that’s for sure,” Cooper said. “He’s come through major surgery; did well. He had a little bit of setback, but that’s par for the course.”

He said the long-range plan has always been for Peavy to open up the playoffs for the Sox.

LISTEN HERE:

CHICAGO (WSCR) – White Sox announcer Hawk Harrelson says he is looking forward to success from a Sox team with “a nice, winning attitude.”

On the Mully and Hanley Show Thursday morning, Harrelson said even though the bullpen is a little shaky right now, the team must persevere.

LISTEN: Hawk Harrelson On The Mully And Hanley Show

“You’re going to put the uniform on. I don’t care how long it takes and what the conditions are. Let’s win it,” he said.

Referencing Mully and Hanley’s earlier talk with Mayor Richard M. Daley, Harrelson said this year’s team has the attitude of winners.

“When the mayor talked about the winning attitude, he was right on the money,” Harrelson said. “This ballclub is a good team as we all know, and the thing I like about them is they have a nice, nice winning attitude.”

And this year will be particularly exciting, Harrelson said, given that the entire AL Central Division is showing skill and talent this year.

“This is the first time I can remember in this division where we’ve got five teams in this division that can hit,” he said. “Cleveland’s pitching is a little sketchy. Kansas City’s pitching is a little sketchy. But Kansas City is going to win more ballgames than a lot of people have projected for them, and Cleveland can score some runs. So this is going to be a fun year. I’m looking forward to it.”

In particular for the White Sox, Harrelson said Brent Morel showed special promise. Morel delivered a two-run single in the top of the 12th inning Thursday to lead the White Sox to a 10-7 victory over the Kansas City Royals.

“If there’s one player I’d pick for my pick to click for the season this year, it’s Brent Morel,” Harrelson said. “This kid’s going to be a hell of a player, and he’s not afraid to get base hits. He’s not afraid to keep on improving. He’s just 23 years old, soon to be 24. But I’ll tell you one thing right now – he can play.”

CHICAGO (CBS) – Attending his final Chicago White Sox game as mayor, Rich Daley tried to bring a new fan into the fold on Thursday at the White Sox home opener: his successor, Rahm Emanuel.

Mayor Daley and Mayor-elect Emanuel went to the game separately, but stood and talked to each other at Daley’s seats along the third base line during the pregame activities at Thursday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Daley wore a White Sox cap and Emanuel, a Cubs fan, wore a White Sox jacket.

The sight of the incoming mayor in a Sox jacket prompted a few fans sitting behind Daley and Emanuel to tell the mayor-elect “Get outta here.”

But Daley said he wants to convert his successor to a Sox fan.

“I’m trying, I’m trying,” he said, laughing. “It worked, I got the jacket. Now he’s trying to convert me to the Cubs.”

Emanuel said he’s going to give the jacket to Daley as a going away present.

“He hasn’t got one this whole time, I’m going to give him as a going away gift,” Emanuel said.

Daley’s family has had seats along the third base line since his dad, Richard J. Daley, was mayor.

“We’ve had the seats going back to my father. My father, at one time, sat on the first base line. By 1955, he moved to the third base line, so we’ve been actually in the same seats we’ve had that many years,” Daley said. “We’ve got a lot of good memories here.”

The mayor said he’s excited about his favorite team’s chances this year, with new slugger Adam Dunn added to the roster, longtime Sox veterans Paul Konerko and A.J. Pierzynski re-signed to new contracts and a deep starting rotation with Mark Buehrle, Edwin Jackson, John Danks, Gavin Floyd and Jake Peavy.

“Give a lot of credit to Jerry Reinsdorf. Kenny Williams and Ozzie have put a team together, good team this year,” Daley said.

When he leaves office next month, Daley will have a lot more time to go to games, not that he didn’t attend plenty already.

“Yeah, I like to watch baseball anyway,” he said.

Starting pitcher Edwin Jackson struck out a career-high 13 batters and the Chicago White Sox cruised to a 5-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Outfielder Alex Rios led the way offensively, going 2-4 with two RBI and a run scored. It was the fourth win of the season for the White Sox, and kept the Rays winless on the season.

Not only was Jackson’s 13 strike outs a career high, it set the White Sox record for strike outs in a home opener.

Click HERE for the game box score.

The AL East champion Rays extended the worst start in team history – they haven’t even held a lead yet this year. Tampa Bay has scored exactly one run in five of its defeats.

Jackson (2-0), who pitched a no-hitter against Tampa Bay last season while with Arizona, allowed four hits in eight innings. He lost his shutout bid in the eighth when pinch-hitter Felipe Lopez double and Reid Brignac singled.

At 0-6, the Rays have totaled only eight runs and 27 hits this season. They are tied for the worst record in the majors with the only other winless team in the majors, the division rival Boston Red Sox.

With a foggy start and a 39-degree temperature at the first pitch, the White Sox reached David Price (0-2) for two first-inning runs and finished with 12 hits.

Chicago played for a second straight game without slugging designated hitter Adam Dunn, who had an emergency appendectomy early Wednesday morning. Dunn dressed for the game and was introduced with his teammates during the pregame ceremony, but there is no timetable for his return.

Rays DH Manny Ramirez missed the game because of a family matter but should be ready for Friday night’s game.

Alex Rios hit a two-run double in the first off Price after Juan Pierre singled and Gordon Beckham was hit by a pitch. Rios doubled again in the third and scored on a single by Paul Konerko. Brent Lillibridge and Pierre added RBI singles in the eighth.

Price, a 19-game winner last season, is now 0-4 in four career starts against the White Sox. He gave up nine hits and three runs in six innings.

Sam Fuld singled leading off the game and tried to create some offense by stealing two bases. But Jackson fanned Ben Zobrist and got Dan Johnson on a fly ball, stranding Fuld at third. Fuld also walked and stole a base in the third. Jackson then retired 12 straight before B.J. Upton singled with two outs in the seventh.

NOTES: Chicago RHP Jake Peavy, who underwent surgery to repair a detached muscle in his shoulder and then experienced some rotator cuff tendinitis in spring training, is scheduled to throw 75 pitches in a rehab start for Double-A Birmingham on Friday. … Minnie Minoso threw out the first pitch to White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen. … Attendance was announced as 38,579, a sellout. … Jackson’s 13 strikeouts were the most ever by a White Sox pitcher in a home opener. … Konerko has at least one RBI in each of the first six games.

Copyright 2011 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

CHICAGO (STMW) – It’s not the Green Monster seats that Fenway Park has, and that wasn’t even a vague inspiration, the Cubs say.

But a new patio deck and overall look to the revamped right-field bleachers at Wrigley Field should be the most dramatic aesthetic change to the ballpark’s interior in years when it’s unveiled for the home opener April 5.

“It’ll be a great section for groups,” Cubs business operations president Crane Kenney said ­Saturday as the team announced the plan during the second day of the Cubs Convention. “What we’re finding is that people want to be able to circulate. Certainly, you see it on the rooftops. Places where you can bring clients, move around in the space, and not just be fixed.”

The new patio area atop the ­renovated, raised bleacher section will have a capacity for 150 standing-room-only tickets, the prices and sales plans for which haven’t been finalized, said Kenney.

What seating survives the renovation was raised in part to alleviate some obstruction issues and in large part to accommodate a 70-foot-long LED board with rotating advertising and information-display capabilities, but not likely any video-replay functions. The height of the section doesn’t change, and none of the changes will affect the scoreboard, ivy or brick of the outfield wall, avoiding landmark-protection issues.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2012. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

CHICAGO (CBS) — Opening day has arrived for the Cubs, and the team and the local alderman are urging fans to use public transportation.

As WBBM Newsradio’s John Waelti reports, Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) says parking close to Wrigley Field quite simply is not an option.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio’s John Waelti reports

“The script is basically the same – limited parking in Wrigleyville-Lakeview,” Tunney said. “The difference between this year and last year is about a dollar more on gas, so that should be another incentive not for you to drive.”

Tunney and the Cubs’ Mike Lufrano both recommend using a remote lot at DeVry University, on Rockwell Street south of Addison Street on the old Riverview Park site. Shuttle buses take fans to Wrigley Field from the site.

The Cubs began using the DeVry parking lot nine years ago at the request of the city.

Meanwhile, several small parking lots and garages do open up for Cubs fans, along Clark Street and as far east as the Boystown strip on Halsted Street. But on side streets, parking is largely restricted to permit holders, and those without permits can be towed if they park during a Cubs night game.

Across town, the White Sox’ home opener is coming up on April 13. Ald. James Balcer (11th) says parking is better at U.S. Cellular Field, which is surrounded by surface lots for several blocks.

But Balcer still recommends using public transportation, and he asks fans to maintain their decorum.

“Respect the community. Respect the people that are in there,” Balcer said. “Don’t walk out of bars with drinks.”

Both aldermen say they are expecting a Sox-Cubs World Series in 2012, and they said it with straight faces.

CHICAGO (CBS) — Fans are swarming to U.S. Cellular Field and tailgating in the parking lots, as Opening Day arrives for the White Sox.

As CBS 2’s Ryan Baker reports, the White Sox are already 3-2 this season, and while many experts said the team was in a building mode, they have proven to be competitive.

They will have their toughest match of the season yet Friday in taking on the AL Central Division champion Detroit Tigers.

The home opener is also a homecoming for new Manager Robin Ventura, who played for the White Sox for 10 years.

“It’s exciting; I mean, you feel like you’re up here, so in a lot of ways it’s coming home of sorts, and I think the guys that haven’t played here, it’s exciting for them, and I get to enjoy, kind of, that to,” Ventura said.

Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham said the team only needs to play their best to sustain their success.

“We’re playing the right way. I think that’s the main thing, we’re playing the right way. We’re showing up, doing the work, we’re making sure that we get everything in that we need to get in,” Beckham said. “And the rest, all you’ve got to do is go out and play, and do your thing, and our talents are going to come out. And we’ve got a lot of talent.”

Meanwhile, Sox senior vice president of marketing Brooks Boyer told CBS 2’s Kris Gutierrez that fans will be greeted by many new features at U.S. Cellular Field this season, particularly in the retail sphere.

“The Nike store is terrific, along with our Chicago Sports Depot. We also have new red jacket that’s in the store, as well as the Victoria’s Secret Pink Collection, so if you’re coming to the White Sox game looking for what is going to be new and unique about our experience, certainly we’ve upped the ante on the retail end,” Boyer said.

Grammy Award-winning rapper and South Side native Common will throw out the first pitch for the game.

ST. LOUIS (AP)— Ian Stewart hit a three-run homer in the first inning, Bryan LaHair later connected for a grand slam and the Chicago Cubs hammered Adam Wainwright, spoiling the St. Louis Cardinals’ home opener with a 9-5 victory on Friday.

Starlin Castro had three hits and a walk for the Cubs. Chicago has scored 17 runs the last two games after totaling 19 runs in the first six.

Wainwright’s first start at home since Sept. 19, 2010, was a total mess from the get-go and tied his worst ever from a statistical standpoint — eight earned runs in just three innings.

That his outing unraveled moments after pregame pomp and circumstance that featured 91-year-old Hall of Famer Stan Musial waving from a golf cart to fans who gave him a standing ovation, and that a standing room crowd waited patiently through a rain delay of one hour and 44 minutes before it began only magnified the failure.

Clad in red sportcoats, fellow Hall of Famers Lou Brock, Bob Gibson, Red Schoendienst, Whitey Herzog, Ozzie Smith and Bruce Sutter toured the Busch Stadium warning track on the back of flatbed trucks. The franchise showed off its four World Series trophies, held by members of the 1967, 1982 and 2006 teams.

Players got the same treatment, accompanied by an endless rendition of the Budweiser beer song. There was a moment of silence for former star pitcher Bob Forsch as a bald eagle circled the field, and two F-16s did a flyover.

Then the Cubs, who were introduced to mild booing, took over. Stewart’s early homer and the slam by LaHair in the third benefited Jeff Samardzija (2-0), who gave up 10 hits and barely qualified for the decision after the Cardinals scored five runs in the fifth.

Matt Carpenter had a two-run triple and Jon Jay, David Freese and Yadier Molina each had an RBI in the fifth. Freese came up short in two earlier at-bats, striking out with two on to end the first and tapping out with two on to end the third.

Wainwright (0-2) made his second start since coming off reconstructive elbow surgery that sidelined him all last season. He was in trouble after just nine pitches after David DeJesus doubled, Darwin Barney singled and Castro hit an RBI single. With one out, Stewart barely cleared the wall in left-center for his first homer since Aug. 23, 2010, off the Braves’ Tim Hudson.

Wainwright worked a perfect second but four consecutive Cubs reached with one out in the third capped by LaHair’s grand slam for an 8-0 cushion. LaHair, who has two homers, led all minor leaguers with 38 last year for Triple-A Iowa.

That was just about it for Wainwright, who matched his worst ever for earned runs allowed, also giving up eight on May 15, 2007 at the Los Angeles Dodgers. He allowed nine runs at Milwaukee on Sept. 24, 2007, with just four earned.

Wainwright’s previous low point at home was May 5, 2009, when he surrendered seven earned runs in six innings. Before Friday, Wainwright’s 2.46 home ERA since 2006 had been the best among major league starters, and his 34 wins are the most at 7-year-old Busch Stadium.

NOTES: Attendance of 46,882 was the second most for a regular-season game at Busch, topped only by a crowd of 46,918 for the home opener against Houston April 12, 2010, when Wainwright and Jason Motte combined on a seven-hit shutout. … Samardzija previously pitched 8 2-3 innings in his first start of the season. … Cubs starters led the majors with 45 strikeouts prior to the game and Samardzija had five. … Marlon Byrd singled in the third to end an 0-for-20 slump. … Jay had three hits and an RBI.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Updated 04/08/13 – 3:05 p.m.

CHICAGO (CBS) – The Cubs and the City of Chicago are in the process of finalizing a deal for the renovation of Wrigley Field.

CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine reports sources had pointed to today, but finalizing what’s described as “substantial agreement” has taken longer than expected, with “i”s are being dotted, “t”s crossed and language being scrubbed by attorneys.

Earlier in the day, Cubs owner Tom Ricketts said talks are “productive,” and he’s confident an agreement will be reached, but he declined to say when a deal would be complete, or to provide any details on the final deal.

“We’ve been working through the weekend. We’re really committed to the city, and committed to working with the mayor’s office and the alderman to keep moving our project forward, and look forward to getting it done,” Ricketts said Monday morning.

Ricketts would not say if an agreement would be ready for announcement before the home opener, but said talks were “productive” and “moving forward.”

The Cubs and city officials have been discussing plans for a $300 million renovation of Wrigley Field, as well as a $200 million hotel across the street, all of which would be funded entirely by the Ricketts family. The team is also seeking additional night games.

Most of the stadium is protected by landmark status, so virtually any changes to the ballpark would require approval from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks and the City Council. Additional night games also would require City Council approval.

Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) has been seeking assurances of more remote parking as part of any deal to renovate Wrigley. He’s also expressed concerns shared by local residents about how additional night games would affect congestion and security in the neighborhood.

As part of their five-year renovation plan, the Cubs want to install a Jumbotron-style video screen in left field. The team has been seeking a screen as large as 6,000 square feet, but the city wants a much smaller screen.

The owners of the rooftop clubs across the street from Wrigley Field also have threatened to file a lawsuit against any renovation plans that would allow for a video screen that would obstruct the existing views from the rooftops.

The Cubs and the rooftop owners have 11 years left on a 20-year revenue sharing deal, which requires the 16 rooftop clubs to share 17 percent of their revenues with the team. The deal also requires the Cubs to compensate rooftop owners if their views are obstructed by changes to the ballpark.

Ricketts said he’s confident the team will be able to work out any disputes with the rooftop owners over how a video screen would affect their views.

“We’ll get through that. Right now, we’re just trying to kind of figure out how everything’s gonna look, and have everything in place,” he said. “We’ll be sensitive to certain issues when it comes to placement of those things, so I’m pretty confident we’ll all be alright in the end.”

He also said he doesn’t believe the video screen would have as big an impact on rooftop views as some critics have claimed.

“I think we’ll work through that, and I think when we’re ready to talk about it, everyone will understand,” he said. “I think it’s a lot less dramatic than people make it out to be.”

The Wrigleyville Rooftops Association has said any construction that interrupts the rooftop views will effectually drive them out of business. They have vowed to fight the Cubs in court if that happens.

“We reserve judgment until said proposals are publicized, however we are deeply troubled that 16 small businesses were not party to talks where their contractual rights were at stake,” Beth Murphy, owner of Murphy’s Bleachers and spokesperson for the Wrigleyville Rooftops Association, said in a statement. “Rooftop owners reserve the right to use any and all means necessary to enforce the remaining 11 years of our 20-year contract. We support a renovated Wrigley Field, but the neighborhood and its businesses should be partners in the debate as we have over the last 30 years.”

(CBS) – The Chicago Bears take to the field this Sunday for their season opener at Soldier Field.

Action behind the scenes was well underway Friday.

CBS 2’s Roseanne Tellez reports.

It looks pretty empty. No team. No fans. But there’s actually a small army of technical types from CBS Sports inside, preparing for a broadcast that will be viewed by more than a million and a half people.

After of a summer of concerts and soccer, it’s back to football.

The field is getting water; the grass, some new seed, and cleaning people are making sure Solider Field is spic and span for the Chicago Bears’ home opener.

In the underbelly of the stadium, it’s all about production.

CBS Sports rolled into town with trailers filled with equipment that needs to be put in place by game time.

And a state-of-the-art facility like Soldier Field means a lot of equipment. Pete Kallander is the technical manager.

“There are probably 30 different camera positions here. In an old stadium, you might find a dozen. So, it really affects the on-air product,” he says.

There’s equipment to move, cables to run and some 80 crewmembers hoping to bring their A-game to Sunday’s broadcast.

Phil Simms and Jim Nantz will take to the booth for Sunday to bring you all the action.

It takes about three days to set up for a broadcast like this, and only three hours to tear it down.

Hopefully, you’ll still be celebrating a Bears victory when CBS Sports rolls out of town.

CHICAGO (AP) — Derrick Rose made a baseline floater with 5.7 seconds left to lift the Chicago Bulls to an 82-81 victory over the New York Knicks on Thursday night in his first home game since he injured his left knee 18 months ago.

Rose had 18 points on 7-of-23 shooting and committed four turnovers. But there was no doubt who was getting the ball after Tyson Chandler went 1 for 2 at the line to give New York an 81-80 lead with 10.8 seconds remaining.

The speedy point guard, who was a game-time decision for his return due to a sore neck, got the ball on the wing and drove to the baseline for the go-ahead basket, drawing a standing ovation from the delirious crowd at the United Center.

New York had one last chance but Carmelo Anthony missed a long jumper. Anthony then stood with his hands on his hips as the Bulls celebrated.

Luol Deng had 17 points for Chicago, which matched a franchise record with its fifth consecutive win in home openers. The Bulls also beat the Knicks for the sixth straight time.

New York coach Mike Woodson opted for a bigger look against Chicago, inserting 7-foot Andrea Bargnani into the starting lineup and using guard Pablo Prigioni as a reserve. But the Bulls still enjoyed a 46-24 advantage in points in the paint and a 48-42 rebounding edge, led by Joakim Noah’s 15 boards.

Amar’e Stoudemire made his season debut for the Knicks and had five points in 10 minutes. The power forward, who turns 31 on Nov. 16, is coming off minor knee surgery over the summer and looked as if the years of health problems had robbed him of much of his athleticism.

New York trailed 76-66 with 7:53 remaining, but rookie Tim Hardaway Jr. made a 3-pointer to spark a 12-0 run for the Knicks. Felton connected from long range, Iman Shumpert had a dunk and Anthony closed out the spurt with a turnaround jumper that put New York in front with 4:10 remaining.

The last part of the game mostly consisted of turnovers and missed shots, but Chicago managed to survive behind Rose, who had both of the Bulls’ field goals in the final period.

Jimmy Butler finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds for Chicago, which lost 107-95 at NBA champion Miami in its season opener on Tuesday night. Carlos Boozer added 14 points and seven boards.

Anthony led New York with 22 points on 8-of-24 shooting. Chandler had 19 rebounds, but the Knicks were unable to open the season with consecutive victories on consecutive nights. They were coming off a 90-83 victory against Milwaukee on Wednesday.

(© 2013 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.)

CHICAGO (CBS) – It’s a big day for the Chicago Cubs, and as long as the rain holds off this afternoon, the weather won’t wash away fans’ excitement for the team’s home opener, and the start of a yearlong commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Wrigley Field.

CBS 2’s Ryan Baker reports what’s being dubbed as the party of the century begins Friday afternoon when the Cubs host the Phillies.

General manager Jed Hoyer said he was encouraged by the signs he saw from the Cubs’ pitching staff in their first three games against the Pirates, despite losing two of three games. The Cubs gave up only seven runs in three games – two of which went into extra innings. All three games were decided by only one run.

“The starters threw great the whole series. I thought the bullpen threw well,” he said. “We could easily be 2-1, or 3-0, or even 0-3. That’s the nature of one-run games.”

As for Friday’s game, Hall of Famers Ernie Banks, Fergie Jenkins, and Billy Williams will throw out ceremonial first pitches for the home opener, and another Hall of Famer, Ryne Sandberg, will be making his second visit to Wrigley Field as the manager of the Phillies.

CBS 2’s Mike Puccinelli reports, as they prepare to lift the tarp on another season at the Friendly Confines, the man who’s in charge of the Cubs seemed psyched about the storied ballpark’s centennial celebration.

“It’s going to be a wonderful Opening Day. It’s just going to be a great season,” said Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts.

That despite the fact an ongoing dispute with the owners of rooftop clubs across the street doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon, and the Cubs have yet to begin an extensive renovation of the stadium.

Rooftop owners are concerned the $300 million renovation plan – more specifically, new video boards and advertising signs in the outfield – will block existing views from clubs overlooking Wrigley Field.

Ricketts said he’s optimistic the Cubs can strike a deal with the rooftop owners.

“I think so. I’m hopeful. I think everyone has an incentive to do what’s right, and do what’s right for the long-term, and I think we’ll get there,” he said.

Ricketts said the Cubs want to get started on construction as soon as possible.

Fans heading to Wrigleyville ahead of this afternoon’s game weren’t thinking about a potential courtroom showdown over the renovation plans, but of this year’s team, and the ongoing rebuilding effort on the field.

Hoyer said he sees reason for optimism about the team.

“Actually, I think our team’s a lot of fun to watch. You know, we’ve got a lot of good young players. Very versatile this year, a lot of platoons, and I think you’re starting to see the picture come together,” Hoyer said.

By Bruce Levine

670thescore.com

 (CBS) –  Like the last two seasons, Friday’s Cub home opener seemed much like the past.

The franchise was celebrating the 100th year of the ballpark at Clark and Addison. Technically, this is not Wrigley Field’s 100th. The Cub franchise moved in for the 1916 season. Prior to that, the Federal league Chicago team played two seasons at the new park before the Cubs moved in.

The park was not named Wrigley Field until 1926, when the Wrigley family took majority ownership of the club. As we take a short trip back in history, one common element still prevails: Zero World Championships have been run at the snakebit ballpark.

While the 38,000 fans watched a loss to Ryne Sandberg’s other team, the most exciting event for Cub fans occurred in the ninth inning. A  four foot-long piece of aluminum siding fell into section 215 from just above the sky box ramp. A lot of luck was involved in no fans getting hit by the falling debris. Knowing that renovations are still light years from being completed  just adds to the woes of Tom Ricketts and his family’s quest  for an updated park and a winning franchise.

On the field a generous official scorer gave Stalin Castro and Junior Lake a pass on balls that should  have been ruled errors.  Manager Ricky Renteria did not come out of his first game with a victory — or unscathed.

In his no- move to leave in left-hand reliever  Wesley Wright in the game to pitch to pinch hitter John Mayberry, the game got away. Reliever Brian Schlitter watched from the bullpen as Mayberry hit a two-run home run to ice the  game. The two-out long ball came after pitching coach Chris Bosio gave Wright instructions to pitch around the right-handed hitter.

“It was clear that the message was not to give him (Mayberry) anything that he could handle ,” Renteria said. “We had another lefty that was coming up behind him. Wesley got two strikes down under the zone and the next pitch he left over the plate.  He was not  trying to give him anything to hit.”

Schlitter was part of a worn-out bullpen that Renteria was trying to avoid. That non-move alone did not lose the game, however. With little firepower from his hitters, Renteria, much like previous manager Dale Sveum, must gut out every move that he makes.

Three hits and none after the third inning is not the kind of effort that will win you many games.

CHICAGO (AP) – Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp scored in Chicago’s four-goal third period, and the Blackhawks beat the Buffalo Sabres 6-2 in their home opener on Saturday night.

Andrew Shaw had a goal and an assist for the Blackhawks, who earned their fifth consecutive win against the Sabres. Brandon Saad had a career-high three assists and Corey Crawford made 21 saves.

Zemgus Girgensons and Tyler Ennis scored in the first period for Buffalo, which lost 3-1 to Columbus in its season opener on Thursday night. Drew Stafford had two assists and Jhonas Enroth had 41 stops.

The Sabres and Blackhawks were tied at 2 before Kane one-timed a backhand pass from Shaw past Enroth at 5:58 of the third. It was the first of the season for the Buffalo native, who has five career goals against his hometown team.

Chicago poured it on from there. Hossa had a short-handed score at 10:03, Sharp converted a long power-play slap shot and Daniel Carcillo tapped in a feed from Saad with 2:37 left in the game.

Coming off a 3-2 shootout win at Dallas in their season opener, a victory that coach Joel Quenneville said they stole from the Stars, the Blackhawks jumped out to a fast start in their first meaningful home game since they lost to the Stanley Cup champion Kings in Game 7 of an epic Western Conference final.

Shaw tipped Niklas Hjalmarsson’s long shot past Enroth just 59 seconds into the game. Duncan Keith then had another long shot go off the stick of a Sabres player and into the upper right corner for a 2-0 lead at 2:52 of the first.

With the crowd of 22,012 looking for a quick knockout, Enroth settled down and the Sabres went to work on Crawford. Girgensons poked home a rebound to get Buffalo on the board, and Ennis scored on a short-handed breakaway to make it 2-2 at 18:40.

Stafford set up the tying score when he intercepted a pass from Brad Richards near the blue line and played it forward to a streaking Ennis, who skated in on Crawford for his first goal of the season. The Blackhawks went 1 for 4 on the power play.

Chicago had a chance to go in front in the final seconds of the first, but Enroth made a great save on Jonathan Toews right in front of the net.

Buffalo had the best opportunity in the scoreless second period. After Blackhawks defenseman David Rundblad failed to control the puck at the point, Nicolas Deslauriers got loose for a breakaway, but was stopped by Crawford, leading to chants of “Co-rey! Co-rey!” from the crowd.

NOTES: The Flames scratched C Brian Flynn and Ds Tyson Strachan and Nikita Zadorov. … F Kris Versteeg and Ds Kyle Cumiskey and Michal Rozsival were the scratches for the Blackhawks … Former Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon received a standing ovation before he participated in the shoot the puck contest in between the second and third periods.

(© 2014 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.)

CHICAGO (AP) – LeBron James scored 36 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls 114-108 in overtime on Friday night.

James was at his best after struggling the previous night, scoring eight points in the extra period, and the Cavaliers picked up the win the after opening with a loss at home to New York.

Derrick Rose scored 20 points for Chicago, but his first meaningful home game in about a year was spoiled by a sprained left ankle and a dominant performance by the Cavaliers’ megastar. Rose, sidelined for most of the past two seasons by knee injuries, came up hobbling in the first half and headed to the locker room in the fourth quarter.

Cleveland rallied from five down in the closing minute of regulation after blowing a nine-point lead to start the fourth quarter.

James took over in OT, flipping in a wild reverse layup and scoring Cleveland’s first eight points in the extra period.

The Cavaliers were still clinging to a 106-104 lead after Kirk Hinrich hit two free throws with 46.8 seconds left. But Tristan Thompson iced it moments later with a hard dunk after rebounding James’ jumper to make it a four-point game with 24 seconds left.  Thompson tied franchise record with 12 offensive rebounds.

James, back with the Cavaliers after leading Miami to two championships, dominated after a rough opener.

He eight rebounds and three turnovers after going 5 of 15 from the floor and coughing the ball up eight times against the Knicks.

Kyrie Irving scored 23.

Thompson, who was hoping to land a contract extension before the deadline, finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds.

Kevin Love added 16 points and 16 rebounds for Cleveland.

For Chicago, Hinrich came on strong down the stretch to finish with 20 points. Pau Gasol scored 15 and Mike Dunleavy Jr. added 14 points.

(© 2014 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.)

CHICAGO (CBS) — Their spirits were high. If only their food remained dry.

Still, Monday’s downpour failed to dampen the White Sox support despite the cancellation it caused for the team’s home opener against the Tigers.

“I can’t remember the last time it was dry for Opening Day,” one fan pointed out.

And that’s not all some fans are having troubling remembering.

When asked what field White Sox fans were going to head into for Monday’s season opener, we saw a few heads being scratched.

“What is that, uh — it’s a … Oh, my god. It’s new, I don’t know,” one fan said before definitively saying, “It’s Comiskey, we’re going into Comiskey.”

“Hey, it’s the Sox park,” another fan said.

This isn’t the first time White Sox fans had to play the name game. Naming rights to the ballpark were sold to U.S. Cellular in 2003. For the next 13 seasons, it was known as U.S. Cellular Field.

So, we revisited our tapes from 2003.

That year’s season opener featured the new name change, as well as some old concerns.

“Grew up with the old park, miss the old park,” one said.

“It’s been Comiskey Park since the beginning,” one woman said.

In a coincidence more than a decade apart, that 2003 name reveal also included a downpour on the diamond.

History does love to repeat itself.

The ballpark now features the name Guaranteed Rate Field after the team signed a 13-year naming rights deal with the retail mortgage lender in November 2016.

The field may feature the word “guaranteed.” The weather, however, is not.

CHICAGO (CBS) — Excitement is building for the Cubs’ home opener at Wrigley Field on Monday. Fans will see changes galore at the Friendly Confines this season.

Wrigley Field is almost ready for defending World Series champion Cubs’ rematch of the National League Championship Series against the Dodgers on Monday.

The Cubs’ home stadium has undergone a significant renovation in the offseason, with the bullpens removed from the left field and right field foul lines and moved under the bleachers.

New flag poles also have been installed on the center field scoreboard to hoist the Cubs’ championship banners Monday night.

The Cubs also have been making major progress on a new plaza next door to the stadium. Crews were installing planters at “The Park At Wrigley” on Friday and putting on finishing touches, so it can open for business on Monday.

Right next to the plaza is a new Cubs store that will open Monday. The 8,400-square-foot “Rank + Rally” store has two floors packed with new Cubs merchandise.

“We’ve got a lot of great installations, including a 250 baseball bat installation with a large video screen monitor, live feed for game footage,” Rank + Rally senior vice president Erin Jones said. “We have amazing custom artwork from local artists. All the fixtures are made out of reclaimed ash. So a really, really great Chicago experience.”

A security perimeter will be in place around Wrigley Field two hours before game time and after the game for the home opener on Monday, very similar to what it was like during the playoffs and the World Series in 2016, as the Cubs are expecting huge crowds.

The game against the Dodgers is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday.

Rank + Rally also plans on having security personnel on site Monday, just to make sure things go smoothly.

CHICAGO (CBS) — The Better Business Bureau is warning sports fans to be on the lookout for scams involving the upcoming Cubs home opener and Blackhawks Stanley Cup playoff run.

Demand and ticket prices will be high for tickets to these games, and scammers will be eager to capitalize on the situation, according to the BBB. The Cubs will play their opening game at Wrigley Field on Monday.

“Whenever there’s excitement about a special event, like the Cubs home opener after winning the World Series or the Blackhawks chasing another Stanley Cup, there are counterfeiters who want to take advantage,” Steve Bernas, president of the BBB in Chicago and Northern Illinois, said in the statement.

In addition to counterfeit tickets, Bernas said scammers will also often try to sell illegal merchandise made with inferior materials as a secondary income stream.

The BBB is warning consumers to be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true and to only buy tickets or merchandise from a reputable ticket broker or retailer. The bureau also advised buyers to use a credit card if possible so they could appeal to the card company if there’s a problem.

“We don’t want the fans’ excitement to be spoiled by losing money with fake tickets or poor merchandise,” Bernas said.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2016. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

CHICAGO (CBS) — The World Series champion Cubs take on the Dodgers on Monday night for their home opener, and fans will notice lots of changes inside and outside Wrigley Field.

The Cubs will raise their World Series banner ahead of Monday’s home opener, and on Wednesday, fans will help present rings to the coaches and players. The team selected 20 “ring bearers” as part of an offseason contest.

The home opener starts at 7:05 p.m., and Hall of Fame players Ryne Sandberg, Ferguson Jenkins and Billy Williams will help raise the banners. Cubs players will be wearing uniforms with gold trim and members of the Ricketts family, who own the team, will throw out the first pitch.

The Cubs made lots of changes to the stadium in the offseason, both big and small, from new padded seats behind home plate to new bullpens and a new plaza outside the ballpark featuring a team store and eventually a tavern-style restaurant named after broadcaster Jack Brickhouse.

During the offseason, the bullpens were moved off the field along the foul lines to a spot under the bleachers, allowing for better accommodations for pitchers and outfielders. The move also allowed the Cubs to add a few more rows of seats along the left and right field sides.

The plaza will give fans a place to hang out before and after the games. However, it won’t be open to the public at game time. Fans will need a ticket to the game to get into the plaza two hours before the game.

A new western gate also will open adjacent to the new plaza, reducing congestion on the concourse before and after games.

The Cubs also want to make sure all fans are safe in and around Wrigley Field, so extra police will be around the ballpark watching for problems, enforcing parking restrictions, coordinating traffic and guiding pedestrians.

The stadium also will have metal detectors at every gate, and security teams will conduct bag checks at the entrances. So fans have been told to arrive early to make sure they get through security screenings before the start of the game. If you bring a bag, it can’t be larger than 16 inches.

Driving around the park also will be restricted. Truck traffic won’t be allowed around Wrigley from two hours before the game until at least one hour after.

CHICAGO (CBS) — The family of fallen Chicago Police Commander Paul Bauer will present the official game ball on Thursday when the White Sox host their home opener.

The White Sox said Bauer’s family will present the game ball for the 3:10 p.m. game against the Tigers at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Former White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski, a member of the 2005 World Series champions, will throw the ceremonial first pitch.

Bauer, 53, was shot and killed in February while trying to apprehend a suspect outside the Thompson Center downtown.

A longtime White Sox fan, bauer and other fathers at South Loop Elementary School organized a number of annual student events, including annual outings to a White Sox game.

CHICAGO (CBS) — Even though the weather doesn’t feel like it, it’s time for baseball on the South Side. The White Sox host their home opener Thursday afternoon against the Tigers.

It could be one of the coldest home openers the Sox have ever played, with temperatures expected to be around 38 degrees for the first pitch at 3:10 p.m. Light rain and snow flurries also are a possibility Thursday afternoon.

With the team averaging nearly 6 runs per game, and their hitters bashing a least one home run in each game so far, the White Sox will hope the temperatures don’t put their hot offense on ice.

Brooks Boyer, senior vice president of marketing for the White Sox, said the cold certainly won’t put a damper on the festivities.

“It may be a little chilly out, but it’s not going to stop anybody from having some nice cold beers on Opening Day,” he said. “Baseball warms the spirit.”

The team is encouraging fans to come out early. The parking lots open at 1:10 p.m., so fans will have plenty of time for tailgating before the game.

A.J. Pierzynski, the catcher for the 2005 World Series champion White Sox team, will throw out the first pitch. Grace Bauer, the daughter of fallen Chicago Police Cmdr. Paul Bauer will present the official game ball.

“Just our way to show a debt of gratitude for Commander Bauer, and all he brought to the city; and really first responders, police officers, firefighters across the city,” White Sox Charities Executive Director Christine O’Reilly said.

The new attractions at Guaranteed Rate Field include a 90-second virtual reality home run derby experience, allowing fans to hit the ball out of the park.

Above the field, is a new continuous LED ribbon board, which will allow fans sitting in the outfield to keep an eye on player stats during the game without having to turn around to look at the big video boards.

There are also new treats on the menu: such as the “Change Up,” which features Monterey Jack chicken sausage and salsa fresca; the “Slurve,” a cheddar beer bratwurst with caramelized onions and spicy mustard; and the “South Side Horseshoe,” which is the White Sox’s take on a signature Springfield dish, an open-faced sandwich with an Italian sausage patty on top of Texas toast, topped with French fries, giardiniera, and a cheddar sauce made with Modelo beer.

CHICAGO (CBS) — The Friendly Confines weren’t quite so friendly on Monday, with the Cubs forced to postpone their home opener by a day, due to snowy conditions.

The Cubs originally were scheduled to start their home opener at 1:20 p.m. Monday morning, they delayed the start of the game until 2:20 p.m., but later postponed the game until 1:20 p.m. Tuesday.

A dusting of snow had fallen at Wrigley Field overnight, and more snow was falling hours before Monday’s scheduled first pitch, with plenty of snow still on the grass. Although temperatures were rising above freezing by the afternoon, a mix of rain and more snow was possible Monday afternoon.

The Cubs tried to use the outfield sprinklers to help melt the snow Monday morning, but the team ultimately decided to postpone the game until Tuesday.

CBS 2’s Roseanne Tellez and Cubs mascot Clark had some fun with the snow early Monday, having a snowball fight at “Gallagher Way,” the newly renamed plaza outside Wrigley Field.

A few players also had some fun in the snow when they arrived Monday morning, tossing some snowballs at each other before heading back into the warmth of the clubhouse.

Wrigley Field organist Gary Pressy pointed out it’s hardly the first time the Cubs have dealt with a few flakes at their home opener, tweeting a video of snow falling at the stadium in 1975.

CHICAGO (CBS) — Thousands of fans headed back to Wrigley Field for the Cubs’ postponed home opener against the Pirates.

The Cubs tried to clear a couple inches of snow from the field before Monday’s scheduled 1:20 p.m. start, even turning on the sprinklers in an effort to melt the snow. After first pushing back the game an hour, the Cubs ultimately decided to postpone until Tuesday afternoon, which was a day off in the schedule for just such an eventuality.

Finally, on Tuesday, there was baseball at the Friendly Confines. Before the game, Loyola’s men’s basketball team shared the spotlight and the beloved Sister Jean tossed out a ceremonial first pitch.

Jeremy Crafton and son, Lane, from Indianapolis, had tickets yesterday and spent the night in Chicago to make today’s game.

More expensive but well worth it, the told CBS 2’s Jim Williams.

“anytime you can come to Wrigley Field and hang out with these beautiful people, it’s a great day. The excitement is still here,” said Jeremy.

Players made the most of the snow delay on Monday, having a snowball on the field before heading back into the warmth of the clubhouse.

Some Cubs fans ventured south to Guaranteed Rate Field to watch the White Sox take on the Rays. There wasn’t quite as much snow on the South Side, and the series against Tampa Bay is the only scheduled trip to Chicago for the Rays, so rescheduling their game would have been more difficult.

CHICAGO (CBS) — The Cubs are hoping for a fresh start this afternoon, as they welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates, hoping to get on a winning streak, after a seriously disappointing 2-7 road trip to start the season.

On the heels of their worst nine-game start since 1997, manager Joe Maddon said he’s trying to keep things loose, saying “adversity is good for the soul.”

The Cubs took early batting practice under sunny skies Monday morning, with players relieved to be back at home, with a chance to kind of start over.

“You get back home, our fans are wonderful, the ballpark is the best, and then all of a sudden you get this little carrot with the weather too. All of a sudden, it’s kind of neat,” Maddon said. “Listen, it’s not something that you just turn around in a second, on a dime. It’s a slow turnaround normally, and for me it’s a patient process.”

Outfielder Albert Almora said, despite winning only two of their first nine games, a lot of positive things happened for the Cubs on their road trip.

“The results might not be there, but I love the way we’re playing, and we’re not giving up. It’s real easy to fold at the end of these games when it’s kind of lopsided, or whatever the case may be, but we fight to the end, and then that’s all we could really ask for,” he said.

The Cubs have the right man on the mound to try to get them back on track on Monday, with ace Jon Lester starting the season with a 3.00 ERA and 10 strikeouts in 12 innings over his first two starts.

CHICAGO (AP) — Pascal Siakam scored 19 points, OG Anunoby added 17 and the Toronto Raptors spoiled Chicago’s home opener by beating the Bulls 108-84 on Saturday night.

The defending NBA champions went on a run in the second quarter to take a 48-40 halftime lead and pulled away for their 10th straight win over the cold-shooting Bulls.

Anunoby hit three 3-pointers, and Serge Ibaka added 18 points and seven rebounds. Fred VanVleet scored 16 as the Raptors shook off a loss Friday in Boston.

The Bulls see themselves as playoff contenders coming off a 22-60 season that ranked among the worst in franchise history. But they hardly looked the part, shooting just 30.2% overall and 9 of 35 on 3s.

Wendell Carter Jr. led Chicago with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Zach LaVine scored 11 after averaging 26.5 over the first two games. Lauri Markkanen struggled again, finishing with nine points for the second straight night. The 7-footer from Finland shot 3 of 10 after going 4 for 15 in a loss at Memphis.

It didn’t help Chicago that Otto Porter Jr. missed most of the second quarter after taking what appeared to be an inadvertent elbow to the face while drawing a charge against Stanley Johnson. Porter spent several minutes lying face down as blood poured out, leaving a puddle on the court. He went straight to the locker room with the team’s medical staff to get stitches and returned to start the second half.

By then, the Raptors led by eight after outscoring Chicago 17-4 over the final 6 1/2 minutes of the second quarter.

Marc Gasol and Kyle Lowry hit consecutive 3s. Anunoby added another from beyond the arc to bump it to 62-46 with 7:47 left in the third, and the Raptors remained in control the rest of the way.

TIP-INS

Raptors: Coach Nick Nurse might have to pay more attention to the Angels now that Joe Maddon is managing Los Angeles and not his beloved Cubs. “It’s a tough one for me,” said Nurse, a big Cubs fan growing up in Iowa. “Always loved the Cubs. Joe and I have become friends the last couple years. I certainly will become a much bigger Angels fan than I ever have been in my life now.” Nurse brought the Larry O’Brien Trophy to Wrigley Field last season and sang “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” while wearing Harry Caray-style glasses. Maddon and the Cubs parted after the season, ending a five-year run that produced a drought-busting championship in 2016. David Ross, a member of the title team, is the new manager. … F Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (sore left groin) and F Patrick McCaw (sore left knee) remain sidelined. Nurse had thought one or both might be available for the first time this season.

Bulls: Coach Jim Boylen said F Chandler Hutchison (hamstring) is “closer than ever” to making his season debut. … The Bulls are obviously looking to play better at the United Center after tying New York for the league’s worst home record at 9-32 last season. “It’s a huge point of emphasis,” Boylen said. “But those are just words. You’ve got to go do it.”

UP NEXT

Raptors: Host the Orlando Magic on Monday.

Bulls: Visit the New York Knicks on Monday.

© 2019 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

CHICAGO (AP) — Kyle Hendricks convinced new manager David Ross to let him finish a three-hitter, Anthony Rizzo homered and dished out hand sanitizer, and the Chicago Cubs started the season by beating the Milwaukee Brewers 3-0 on Friday night.

Ian Happ also had a two-run drive and Ross got his first victory as a big league manager as the Cubs opened this pandemic-shortened 60-game season without fans at Wrigley Field.

Showing off an improved curveball, Hendricks struck out nine and walked none in his first career opening-day start and fourth career shutout.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks throws the ball against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fourth inning of an opening day baseball game Friday, July, 24, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Orlando Arcia had each of Milwaukee’s hits off Hendricks (1-0). After he singled with two out in the third for the Brewers’ first baserunner, he accepted a splash of sanitizer from a smiling Rizzo at first and cleaned off his hands.

Ross came out to check on Hendricks with two out and a runner on first in the ninth. He decided to leave him in, and Keston Hiura bounced into a game-ending fielder’s choice on Hendricks’ 103rd pitch.

One of Chicago’s elevated train lines rumbled in the distance as the NL Central rivals renewed acquaintances three months after they were scheduled to begin the season at Miller Park. Normally, the sound of the Red Line is drowned out by 30,000-plus fans, but Wrigley Field was largely empty because of the coronavirus pandemic — making for a handful of unusual scenes.

Chicago Cubs’ Ian Happ, left, is greeted by Nico Hoerner, center, and Kris Bryant (17) after hitting a two-run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the third inning of an opening day baseball game Friday, July, 24, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Cubs left-hander Jon Lester watched the start of the game from the bleachers in left field. Brewers slugger Ryan Braun, who is normally greeted by vociferous boos when he comes to Chicago, played in relative silence all night long.

Even with the stands empty, Jason Heyward carried a Chicago flag when he ran out to right field for the start of the game.

Milwaukee right-hander Brandon Woodruff allowed four hits in five innings in his first career opening-day start. Woodruff (0-1), who made the All-Star team last year for the first time, struck out five and walked one.

Woodruff’s only rough patch occurred in the third, when Nico Hoerner singled with one out and Happ followed with a deep drive to center. Happ also homered on opening day in 2018.

Rizzo connected in the eighth against J.P. Feyereisen, sending a shot over the wall in right against the Wisconsin native in his major league debut.

Fans watch from the rooftops an opening day baseball game between the Chicago Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers, Friday, July, 24, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

TRAINER’S ROOM

Brewers: Braun (back) got the start as the designated hitter and went 0 for 3. Manager Craig Counsell said Braun went through a full workout Thursday. “I think he needed to feel good after yesterday and he reported feeling better than he did the day before,” Counsell said. “That’s a good sign.”

Cubs: Rizzo was in the starting lineup after dealing with back trouble during summer camp. … Kris Bryant got the start at third after he was scratched from Wednesday’s exhibition game against Minnesota due to back stiffness.

UP NEXT

Corbin Burnes and Yu Darvish take the mound when the series resumes Saturday afternoon. Burnes is making his fifth career start after spending much of his first two seasons in Milwaukee’s bullpen. Darvish finished strong last year, posting a 2.76 ERA over his final 13 starts with Chicago.

Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

CHICAGO (CBS/AP) — Justin Fields played the second half after Andy Dalton exited with a knee injury against his former team, and the rookie quarterback used Chicago’s stellar defensive performance to direct the Bears to a 20-17 victory over Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

Roquan Smith returned an interception 53 yards for his first career touchdown, one of three straight picks thrown by Burrow during the decisive stretch in the Bears’ first win of the season.

Fields took over on the Bears’ final drive of the second quarter after getting in on a handful of plays prior to that. But the biggest key for the Bears was the defense bouncing back after it was picked apart by Matthew Stafford in a season-opening loss at the Los Angeles Rams.

The Bears were up 20-3 before Burrow threw a 43-yard touchdown to Ja’Marr Chase. Fields then got intercepted at the Chicago 25 by Logan Wilson, who returned it to the 7. Burrow hit Tee Higgins with a 7-yard TD on the next play, cutting it to 20-17 with 3:39 remaining. But the Bears hung on for their third straight win over Cincinnati (1-1).

Fields, the No. 11 overall draft pick, completed just 6 of 13 passes for 60 yards. He also ran for 31 yards.

Dalton, facing his former team for the second time in as many seasons, threw a touchdown pass to Allen Robinson. The three-time Pro Bowler, who led Dallas to a victory at Cincinnati last year, completed 9 of 11 passes for 56 yards.

Dalton was hurt late in the second quarter. He took some warmup throws at halftime, but did not return to the game.

Robinson caught his 40th career TD when he hauled in an 11-yarder on the game’s opening possession.

Burrow was 19 of 30 for 207 yards. The 2019 Heisman Trophy winner threw for two TDs and was picked off three times, after setting career highs in passer rating (128.8) and yards per attempt (9.67) in an overtime win over Minnesota.

The Bears (1-1) led 10-3 after Cairo Santos kicked a 28-yard field goal in the opening seconds of the fourth quarter that was set up by Tashaun Gipson’s fumble recovery.

Smith made it a 14-point game when he leaped to haul in a short pass intended for Tyler Boyd at the 47 and returned up the left sideline.

Jaylon Johnson got his first career interception on Cincinnati’s next possession. After the Bears punted, Angelo Blackson got his first as a pro deep in Bengals territory on a ball that teammate Alec Ogletree deflected. That led to another field goal for Santos, making it 20-3.

Fields downplayed his own performance after the game.

“Me personally, I didn’t play well,” he said. “Of course, I played well enough to get the win, but I think there’s a lot of room for me to improve.”

Justin Fields not satisfied even after a #Bears win: "Me personally, I didn't play well… Of course, I played well enough to get the win, but I think there's a lot of room for me to improve." @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/VyDrObmlQv

— Matt Zahn (@mattzahnsports) September 19, 2021

INJURY REPORT

Bengals: No injuries reported.

Bears: NT Eddie Goldman (knee) was inactive after missing the opener and being listed as doubtful for this game. He opted out of last season because of COVID-19 concerns.

UP NEXT

Bengals: Visit Pittsburgh on Sept. 26.

Bears: Visit Cleveland on Sept. 26.

(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)