Cubs Fight, Come up Just Short in Pitching Duel

It was a pitchers duel for most of the game today, until the Braves finally broke through against Lackey in fifth inning, when John finally gave up his first hit and the first run of the game. Lackey looked good for most of the day and earned a quality start but that wasn’t enough as the Braves win it in the tenth inning behind solid pitching by Julio Teheran. Cubs lose a close one 4-3 (Box Score).

Grit and determination

Time and time again, the Cubs play with a grit and determination that never stops, especially when they’re down in a game. They just keep grinding out quality at-bats, making tough plays, and keeping the other team off balance just enough to produce results.

Today the pressure finally broke through in the eighth inning after Julio Teheran was pulled from the game for reliever Jim Johnson. With the Braves leading 3-0, both Jason Heyward and Kris Bryant drove in a run to make it a one run game going into the ninth inning.

The Cubs continued applying pressure in the bottom of the ninth as Ben Zobrist walked and advanced to third on a throwing error with only one out. An Addison Russell single drove in Zobrist and tied up the game, sending it to extra innings.

On to the tenth

Hector Rondon came in to face the Braves in the top of the tenth inning. He gave up back-to-back singles and the Braves drove in a run on a sacrifice fly to Kris Bryant. Rondon has been solid so far this year. He’s pitched seven innings with only two hits allowed and twelve strikeouts. Today, the Braves end up on the winning side as they become the first team with any success against Rondon this season.

Next up

The Cubs travel to Pittsburgh tomorrow to take on the Pirates. Game time is 6:05 PM CDT and Jason Hammel will be pitching for the Cubs against Gerrit Cole of the Pirates.