Cubs Have Dominated Cardinals Series, Hendricks Absurd, Russell Back, and Other Bullets

Sep 17, 2017

Ah, a wonderful annual tradition: the family is headed to the apple orchard to pick some apples! The best part is picking up the partially rotted ones that have fallen to the ground, tossing them up in the air, and watching them explode at The Wife’s feet like a gross, wet grenade.

The Cubs basically dominate the Cardinals now:

Cardinals lose another series to Cubs. Since July 2015, including NLDS, Cards are 2-12 with 3 splits in series v Cubs.

— Bernie Miklasz (@miklasz) September 16, 2017

I knew it had been a good run since mid-July 2015 (it was a big conversation piece that year, especially after the Cubs won the NLDS), but I didn’t realize it had been THAT dominant for two and a half years now. I joke but not joke: when is this going to be a rivalry again?

We’ll have to hit Kyle Hendricks’ start much harder soon, but the super short weekend Bullets version is: duuuuuuuuude.

OK, I can say a little more than that: despite the tiniest strike zone of the year, Hendricks kept the Cardinals off balance, and gave up just two batted balls over 100 mph. I mean look at this guy:

This is incredible: look at the low end of the exit velocities for yesterday's game. Almost exclusively Kyle Hendricks. pic.twitter.com/BSu7rUPUhI
— Brett Taylor (@BleacherNation) September 17, 2017

Hendricks was sitting at 87 mph, touching 89 mph, and commanding his pitches. That is a guy who can dominate. And he did. Remember how he started this season, and then how he got injured? Despite that, Hendricks’ 3.22 ERA is now 19th best in all of baseball among pitchers with at least 120 innings, and 26 points better than his teammate, Jake Arrieta.

Speaking of Arrieta, he threw his much-anticipated bullpen session yesterday and reportedly felt great (ESPN). The Cubs haven’t announced it yet, but you can tentatively pencil him in for a return to the rotation the next time through.

Oh, one quick one back on Hendricks: he also picked off his league-leading 7th baserunner in the game. Stop being idiots, baserunners. (Actually … don’t stop.)

Wade Davis is now 30 for 30 in save opportunities for the Cubs. Not totally unlike the pitcher win, the save stat is nearly useless for predictive purposes, but it at least tells a much narrower story about what actually happened than the win stat. And, in this case, it tells a pretty useful story: the Cubs got Wade Davis to close out games for them, and so far, he has literally not failed in that duty even once.

The final out of the save yesterday was a liner to shortstop, caught by … Addison Russell. After his dramatic return to the Cubs from the disabled list with a pinch hit homer in the 8th, Russell stayed in the game to play shortstop, with Javy Baez shifting over to second base. It was not only an opportunity to get Russell minimal work out there and test his foot (there are no rehab assignments available anymore), but it was also a legitimate nod to putting the best defensive infield out there to lock down a close game. It’ll be interesting to see when Russell gets his first start, because I am sure the Cubs would love to be in a position to feel confident about his health by the time the playoffs roll around, so they can just start him every day at shortstop at that point, and have Javy Baez available to play second base. [UPDATE as I’m typing: Russell is starting at shortstop today. Which is freaking awesome. My guess is he plays about five or six innings today.]

Oh my good God, buddy, you have made a terrible mistake:

Some guy messing with Lackey as he pulls out of Cubs parking lot. Security on it !

— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) September 16, 2017

This is a whole lot of fun to watch:

The amazing race…. @mlb team wins by games this season. Interesting to see the ebbs and flows of teams pic.twitter.com/sTXVW8VUar

— Daren Willman (@darenw) September 16, 2017

Cubs have the O:

The Chicago Cubs are scoring the second most runs/game in the National League, behind only the Rockies (and Coors Field).

— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) September 17, 2017

Very reasonable prices today at StubHub:

Get-in-the-door for a Cubs sweep of the Cardinals, or hit up the bleachers! https://t.co/vFZ8ppq8wO pic.twitter.com/n2o806t0lE
— Brett Taylor (@BleacherNation) September 17, 2017

Big sale at Amazon today on Fossil watches, wallets, and belts. True story: I got a Fossil watch as a gift when I was in middle school, and it came with a grey Fossil shirt. That shirt, which was way too big for me at the time, is now still in my regularly t-shirt rotation because I like the way it fits me.

If you are a football fan and a BN fan, then I guarantee you’re going to like what we do at our sister site The Ten-Yard Line. It’s week two for the Bears, so please give us a follow on Twitter and a like on Facebook:

written by

Brett Taylor

Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

more cubs news

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Braves 2, Cubs 0 – May 13, 2024

Well that ninth inning rally started off great, with Cody Bellinger and Christopher Morel reaching, the latter on 12-pitch walk (the longest PA of his career). And then POOF. In just two pitches, the Cubs made three outs and the...

Michael Cerami

May 13, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Craig Counsell Was Just Thrown Out from the Dugout … by the First Base Umpire

Well you don't see that very often. Craig Counsell was just thrown out of the game from inside the Cubs dugout *by the FIRST BASE umpire* after a check-swing appeal. Here's what happened. In the bottom of the fourth inning,...

Michael Cerami

May 13, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Braves (6:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

CUBS LINEUP — The Atlanta Braves are one of, if not the toughest opponent the Cubs will face this season. But Seiya Suzuki is back, Cody Bellinger is back, and Shota Imanaga is on the mound. This Cubs team is...

Michael Cerami

May 13, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Roster Move: Alzolay to the IL, Cuas Returns (UPDATE)

It felt like this situation with Adbert Alzolay could not go on much longer, and it has now resolved itself with an Injured List move. Today, the Cubs placed Alzolay on the 15-day IL with a right forearm strain. Jose...

Brett Taylor

May 13, 2024

Chicago Cubs

MLB Has a New Streaming Home For Its ‘Sunday Leadoff’ Games

Fans can now watch MLB games via Roku. Do with that what you will. The "MLB Sunday Leadoff" games will begin this weekend. The first game, featuring the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals, starts at 12:05 p.m. CT,...

Patrick K. Flowers

May 13, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Let’s See How They Measure Up in Atlanta: Cubs vs Braves Series Preview

Cubs vs Braves — Six of the Cubs next ten games come against the Atlanta Braves, and the first three are on the road starting tonight. And while the Cubs did recently get Seiya Suzuki, Cody Bellinger, and Justin Steele...

Michael Cerami

May 13, 2024

Chicago Cubs

MLB Pipeline Added Two MORE Cubs to Their Top-100

Over the weekend, MLB Pipeline updated their top-100 MLB Prospect Rankings, with eight new players making the list after graduations and other considerations. And TWO of those players, Moises Ballesteros and Jefferson Rojas, are Chicago Cubs prospects. All together, that...

Michael Cerami

May 13, 2024

Chicago Cubs

For the Second Time in a Few Days, Birthday Boy Nico Hoerner Saved the Game

A happy 27th birthday to Chicago Cubs second baseman, and fill-in shortstop, Nico Hoerner. He is currently hitting a career-best .275/.364/.399/122 wRC+, and walking more often (9.7%) than he's striking out (9.1%). He has been absolutely scorching over the past...

Brett Taylor

May 13, 2024

Chicago Cubs

MLBits: Padres Best the Dodgers, Skenes Debut Reactions, Guardians New Threads, More

The Dodgers have a comfortable lead in the NL West, but the Padres are proving to themselves that they can make this a two-horse race. Plus, reactions from Paul Skenes' major league debut and more in today's MLB Notes. Padres...

Patrick K. Flowers

May 13, 2024

Chicago Cubs

David Peralta Has Opted Out of His Minor League Deal with the Cubs

The Chicago Cubs have had veteran outfielder David Peralta around as emergency depth going back to Spring Training, when he was working his way back from offseason arm surgery. But he might now be heading off to join another organization....

Brett Taylor

May 13, 2024

Picks

Stars vs. Avalanche NHL Playoffs Second Round Game 5 Prediction: Picks, Live Odds and Moneyline – Wednesday, May 15, 2024

The bookmakers prefer the Dallas Stars at home (-142) over the Colorado Avalanche (+120) when they play on Wednesday, May 15 at 8:00 PM ET.Watch the NHL on Fubo!Stars vs. Avalanche Favorite, Moneyline, TotalFavorite: Stars (-142)Underdog: Avalanche (+120)Total: 6.5Best Stars...

Data Skrive

May 14, 2024

How to Watch

Dodgers vs. Giants: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Los Angeles Dodgers (27-15), led by Mookie Betts, visit Thairo Estrada and the San Francisco Giants (19-23) on Tuesday at 9:45 PM ET.The article below will give you everything you need to know to watch Los Angeles take on...

Data Skrive

May 13, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Cardinals vs. Angels: Live Stream or on TV

The St. Louis Cardinals (16-24), led by Brendan Donovan, visit Taylor Ward and the Los Angeles Angels (15-26) at 9:38 PM ET on Tuesday in a series opener.Keep reading to see how to watch the St. Louis-Los Angeles matchup below.When...

Data Skrive

May 13, 2024

How to Watch

Diamondbacks vs. Reds: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Arizona Diamondbacks (19-22), led by Ketel Marte, host Elly De La Cruz and the Cincinnati Reds (17-23) at 9:40 PM ET on Tuesday.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to watch Arizona play Cincinnati live.When is...

Data Skrive

May 13, 2024

How to Watch

Mariners vs. Royals: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Tuesday, Logan Gilbert will take the mound for the Seattle Mariners (22-19) against Michael Wacha and the Kansas City Royals (25-17), with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET at T-Mobile Park.If you're trying to watch this game, keep...

Data Skrive

May 13, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Padres vs. Rockies: Live Stream or on TV

In a series opener on Tuesday, Dylan Cease will take the mound for the San Diego Padres (22-21) versus Cal Quantrill and the Colorado Rockies (12-28), with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET at PETCO Park.Keep reading to see...

Data Skrive

May 13, 2024

Picks

Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees Series May 14-16: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

In the opener of a three-game series, on Tuesday, May 14 at 7:40 PM ET, the Minnesota Twins will host the New York Yankees.Twins vs. Yankees Series Info Yankees @ Twins Time: Tuesday, May 14 at 7:40 PM ET Twins...

Data Skrive

May 13, 2024

How to Watch

Rangers vs. Guardians: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Texas Rangers (22-21), led by Marcus Semien, host Jose Ramirez and the Cleveland Guardians (26-16) at 8:05 PM ET on Tuesday.Keep reading to find out how to watch the Texas-Cleveland matchup in the article below.When is Rangers vs. Guardians...

Data Skrive

May 13, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Astros vs. Athletics: Live Stream or on TV

On Tuesday, Kyle Tucker and the Houston Astros (16-25) face Brent Rooker and the Oakland Athletics (19-24), with first pitch scheduled for 8:10 PM ET at Minute Maid Park.If you're planning on watching this game, keep reading for TV and...

Data Skrive

May 13, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Craig Counsell Was Just Thrown Out from the Dugout … by the First Base Umpire

Michael Cerami

May 13, 2024

Cubs Have Dominated Cardinals Series, Hendricks Absurd, Russell Back, and Other Bullets

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular