This game started and ended with just, well… A LOT.
In the first inning, Christopher Morel launched a double from left field and was immediately scored on a basketed home run by Willson Contreras. And in the eighth inning, Contreras was removed from the game after being hit by a pitch, then the Cubs added a little insurance, and finally Harrison Bader (because, of course) hit a double-barreled homer in the 9th inning to put the Cardinals in Game to bring a few runs.
I suppose it felt like the Cubs were in control most of the night, but you can never say that with the Cardinals.
But stressful or not, it still counts as a win!
And the Cubs offensive was absolutely successful tonight: 12 hits and 5 walks against only two strikeouts (!) plus home runs from Ian Happ (from the right!), Frank Schwindel and Contreras. Dizziness had a particularly solid night, going 3-4 with two very important RBI and 2 runs scored, including an 8th inning sacrifice fly. Dude has been cranking it up WAY lately, and it’s been a lot of fun to watch.
In addition, Clint Frazier reached the base three times, fitting in with a rather interesting little milestone most recently achieved by Anthony RizzoChristopher Morel kept his streak alive on base, and Nick Madrigal even hit a hard hit on the right field line (which is just nice to see).
Right now I’m intentionally skipping over Keegan Thompson, who made his first start as a permanent(ish) member of the starting rotation, because I want to dig a lot deeper tomorrow. The short version? He did well throughout his career with a 5.1 IP (89 pitches) and survived with a lot of weak contacts and not a lot of puffs. His four-seam speed was strong throughout the game, but the Cardinals saw his cutter very well. I have so much more on my mind regarding Thompson’s coming out, but we just have to put a pin in it and enjoy the win.
The Cubs have now won three games in a row against the Brewers and Cardinals. And I’ll be enjoying that fact no matter where this season goes (although it wouldn’t hurt to extend that streak against St.Louis this weekend (there are FOUR MORE GAMES)!
GOCUBS.
full box score.