Yeah extra-inning, comeback wins! Technically that’s what this was, so enjoy it!
Although the Cubs missed some opportunities tonight to put the game out of reach earlier, you can’t be too upset about that kind of thing when the other team goes 0-14(!) with runners in scoring position. Reds fans must be disconsolate this evening.
But Cubs fans are smiling. Jon Lester had a rocky start, but finished this one out strong. He still gave up some hard contact and the cutter wasn’t quite all the way there, but it’s hard to argue with a guy who strikes out 10 in just 6 innings. Here’s hoping he builds on it.
Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant continue to be absurd on-base machines, Chris Coghlan continued his ownership of Mike Leake with a game-tying homer in the 7th, and Jonathan Herrera, David Ross, and Travis Wood came through as the 11th inning heroes, driving in the four runs that gave the Cubs the win.
Although he flashed some really nice defense in the field, Addison Russell continues to struggle at the plate. It’s early and he’s extremely young, so this is part of the process. But it’s the part that’s tough to watch.
We’ll save that full discussion for another day, though. For tonight, the Reds’ bullpen wilted before the Cubs’ did, and all is well.
But, seriously, the bullpen …