Cubs, Hendricks Dominant in Complete Game Shut-Out Performance
After Sunday night’s crazy game the Chicago Cubs (64-41) badly needed a strong, long outing from Kyle Hendricks (10-7, 2.22 ERA) in order to give the taxed bullpen some rest. Hendricks delivered, pitching a beautiful complete game shut-out in clutch fashion. It was a big performance and a big 5-0 win for the Cubs (Box Score).
The Cubs offense struck quickly in this one with two runs in the bottom of the first inning. After a Dexter Fowler lead-off walk and Anthony Rizzo ground-rule double, Addison Russell hit a two-run single that cleared the bases.
With Hendricks firmly in control there was never a concern about the possibility of the Marlins staging a comeback. As a team, the Marlins only had three chances with runners in scoring position.
After knocking Marlins’ starting pitcher Adam Conley out of the game, the Cubs added two more runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. The first run came off the bat of none other than Kyle Hendricks. He singled in Willson Contreras making the score 3-0.
Stats that mattered
- Hendricks was tough as nails – 9.0IP, 0R, 7H, 3BB, 5Ks
- Anthony Rizzo reached base in every plate appearance and was a HR away from the cycle – 3-for-3, 2R, 1BB, 1HBP, 2B, 3B
- Jason Heyward has a hit in each of his last four games – 2-for-4, 2B
- Willson Contreras continues to play well – 1-for-2, 1R, 2BB, 2B
Bottom line
The Cubs are starting the get that look to them once again. The same look they had earlier in the year when they utterly dominated and got out to a 40-16 start. Ever since the Aroldis Chapman trade there’s been a different feel to the Cubs. I’m excited to see where it takes us.
Next up
The Cubs will play the Marlins in the second of the three game series on Tuesday night at 7:05 PM CDT. Jason Hammel (10-5, 3.23 ERA) has won his last three starts and will be on the hill for the Cubs tomorrow.
