Postgame Wrap: Cubs 9, Angels 0; Jake Being Jake – Dominating

Photo of Jon Ferlise Jon FerliseApril 4, 2016

Could it have started any better? This game felt like a team on the rise taking on a team that could only try and react. There’s no doubt that Cubs fans far and wide are excited about this season, and now everyone else knows why. True, it’s just one game, but it was a very good start to a season with such high expectations. Here are the highlights (and the Box Score):

  • Jake was solid and unflappable. He pitched seven innings, throwing 89 pitches, giving up a mere two hits and one walk. Oh, and six strikeouts. Not to mention his fastball was electric and his change up knee buckling. There is no doubt that Jake is exactly who we thought he was – a Cy Young Award winning pitcher, the best pitcher in the National League and perhaps all of baseball. Here’s a little sweetness of Jake striking out one of the best hitters in baseball, Mike Trout.

  • Justin Grimm came in for the eighth inning. He got hit hard but managed to get out of the inning with only one hit.
  • Travis Wood came in to pitch the ninth inning and that was all. He allowed no hits and the ‘W’ was flying at Angels stadium.
  • Offensively, the Cubs did a great job stretching out the Angels starting pitcher, Garrett Richards, who lasted only five innings after throwing 97 pitches. This was a recurring theme last year and it’s fantastic to see Cubs batters, again, forcing opposing pitchers to throw a lot of pitches early. That is a fundamental way to break down any and every pitcher.
  • Dexter Fowler was the offensive MVP. He lead off the game with a double and ended up coming around to score on a Rizzo single. Dex ended up going 3 for 4 with three runs and one walk. Man, it’s nice to have him back.
  • Ben Zobrist and Miguel Montero each had two hits, both scoring one run. Miguel got majestic on us, pounding the Cubs’ first home run of the year. Here it is in case you missed it:
  • To add insult to injury, Matt Szczur came in to pinch hit for Kyle Schwarber in the ninth inning and hit a three-run, bases loaded clearing, double. It was a great at-bat and even better to see Matt in there contributing right away.

This one just felt like the Cubs were a lot better team tonight than the Angels. A heavyweight against a lightweight. This could be a recurring theme. And really, this year could not have started any better – yes, I’m giddy with excitement. Good thing there’s more baseball tomorrow!!

Jon Lester takes the ball for the Cubs as they look to close out the series against the Angels tomorrow at 9:05 CDT. Looking forward to it.

Photo of Jon Ferlise Jon FerliseApril 4, 2016
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