CI Recap (6/19/18) – Cubs 2, Dodgers 1 F/10: Almora Walks It Off In Extras

After a very frustrating loss in the first half of a doubleheader against the Dodgers, the Cubs looked to salvage a split Tuesday night. Mike Montgomery and a mishmash of relievers kept the Northsiders in the game until they could pull off a dramatic win.

Los Angeles put the pressure on early against Montgomery, especially in the 2nd inning, when they loaded the bases with none out. Monty was able to wriggle off the hook in that jam and held the Dodgers scoreless the first five innings. Former Cub Rich Hill baffled his old team, keeping the home side off the board for six innings.

LA finally got to Montgomery in the top of the 6th inning, Cody Bellinger walked and stole second base with two down. Catcher Austin Barnes singled to left, scoring Bellinger just ahead of a great throw by Kyle Schwarber. Speaking of, War Bear tied the score in the bottom of the 7th with a long solo shot to right off of Erik Goeddel.

Both teams threatened in the 8th and 9th, but failed to score, moving the game to extras. The Dodgers loaded the bases again in the 10th against Justin Hancock. Rob Zastryzny took over and coaxed a fly ball from Yasmani Grandal to end the inning. Kris Bryant greeted Cory Stewart with a triple to right to lead off the bottom of the 10th. After an intentional walk to Javy Baez, Albert Almora slashed a single to right to walk it off. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

The roles were reversed from game one, when the Cubs struggled with men on base. The Dodgers went an ugly 2-15 with runners in scoring position in game two. Hard to win any games when you leave that many on base.

Key Moment

Almora’s game winning hit was just the second walk-off win of the season for the Cubs. It was a great piece of opposite-field hitting from Chicago’s batting average leader.

Stats That Matter

• Mike Montgomery didn’t have his good stuff, but he battled through: 6 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 5 K, and 4 BB. He had baserunners all game and kept his cool, dare I say it was a Chatwood-esque effort?
• Addison Russell had a couple of hits and is driving the ball well of late.
• The Cubs didn’t have their best bullpen options available. So have to give a tip of the hat to Randy Rosario, Anthony Bass, Justin Hancock, and Rob Zastryzny who kept the Dodgers off the board.

Bottom Line

That win makes the rough loss earlier in the day a bit, emphasis on bit, easier to take. The Brewers now sit a 1/2 game ahead of the Cubs for first-place after their win today.

On Deck

The rubber-match of the series is Wednesday at 1:20 pm CT. Jon Lester battles the surprisingly good Ross Stripling in a game that airs on MLB Network (out of market) and WGN.