Oct. 10--The Cubs faithful poured into Wrigleyville early Friday evening to cheer on their team as it battled the rival St. Louis Cardinals in Game 1 of the National League Division Series.
The first game of the best-of-five series signaled a new level for the Cubs-Cards rivalry, with the divisional foes meeting for the first time in the postseason.
Outside Wrigley Field, Cindy Rowan and Kenny Blucker enjoyed a brew before the game. The couple had driven up from Galesburg, Ill., for the weekend, and said they wanted to absorb the Wrigley vibes and cheer on the Cubs.
"We drove 200 miles to get here," Rowan said. "I think they're going to do it."
Rowan said she was heartened by the fact that the movie "Back to the Future II" had the Cubs winning the pennant in 2015.
"We wanted to be with the crowd and get all woo-woo!" she said. "We love it here."
At Murphy's Bleachers around the corner, Alex Beck said he had driven in from Omaha, Neb., to catch the Cubs action.
The Cardinals are a tough opponent, the lifelong Cubs fan noted, and the Cubs will have to grow up if they hope to win the series.
"The young guys gotta step up and act like veterans," Beck, 24, said. "It'll be a test. They're going against some of the best in the game."
Beck sat with friends who were rooting for the Cards.
One of those Cardinals fans, Claire Frisella, said "it's exciting every year" when her team makes the postseason, but she's not sure they can get past the Cubs.
"I'm nervous," she said.
geoffz@tribpub.com
