I’ve gotta confess: I kinda hoped the Cubs would never lose again.
Maybe that was silly.
Kyle Hendricks really wasn’t too bad in this one, but he gave up three runs on one swing by Justin Turner – who, again, is the surprise best hitter on the Dodgers this year – and that was the difference. I did like how, despite going down big early, the Cubs didn’t give up, and got themselves back within striking distance. It’s what this team does, and, having following the last many years closely, it does not go unappreciated, even in losses.
James Russell, Yoervis Medina, and Justin Grimm were excellent in relief (the lone run charged to Grimm was actually allowed by Edwin Jackson, who came in with two outs and a runner on second – a rocket single later and the run scored, reaffirming widespread opinions about Jackson’s utility in situations that involve even the slightest hint of leverage).
Coming back with two outs against Kenley Jansen was going to be virtually impossible anyway, but Chris Denorfia walked things off again tonight in the wrong direction, trying for second base – down three runs – and getting throw out to end the game.
Anyway, clearly Justin Turner is a ‘Game of Thrones’ fan …