Another Comeback Win for the Cubs, Rizzo’s Deathblow Plate Appearance, and Other Bullets
I had to drop The Family off at a thing and then go park the car, in which I’m sitting right now, finishing up these Bullets. But then the skies opened up, so I’m basically guaranteed to get absolutely douched whenever I exit the car to go join them. I’m not saying it’s making me type more slowly, but, well, there are really important topics to dive deeeeeeeply into this morning …
- Like that magnificent 13-pitch plate appearance yesterday by Anthony Rizzo that totally broke no-hitting starter Jeremy Hellickson:
.@ARizzo44 walks thrice in win vs. Nats.
Recap: pic.twitter.com/0I0v2Vp6DJ
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 10, 2018
- After pitch 13 there, Hellickson couldn’t throw a strike, walked two more on eight pitches, and had to be removed in the 6th inning of a no-hitter (and then Jayson Heyward played hero). The Cubs thereafter went on to win when Rizzo was walked again in the 7th inning, this time with the bases loaded, driving in what would become the winning run.
- Of that 13-pitch plate appearance, Rizzo was feeling the love:
Rizzo said it was awesome to hear fans cheering after every foul ball during his 13-pitch at-bat. "We're getting no-hit, 2 outs, 6th inning and our fans get on their feet and start cheering like that. It makes your hair stick up a little bit. They're into it and we need that."
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) August 10, 2018
- That was the 36th time the Cubs have come from behind to win this year, leading the league.
- The Braves laid into the Brewers last night, so the combined impact with the Cubs’ comeback win gives them a suddenly-sizable lead in the NL Central:
Well hi there. pic.twitter.com/XPZAjZP19y
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) August 11, 2018
- We talked about the play that got Joe Maddon booted yesterday earlier, but a little fun bit to add:
Maddon on getting tossed and running down to 1B to mimic first baseman receiving the throw: "I did respect 90."
— Tony Andracki (@TonyAndracki23) August 10, 2018
- Speaking of interference plays, Juan Soto – who was picked off TWICE by the Cubs – seems to claim that Rizzo was blocking him when he got back-picked by Willson Contreras (Nationals.com): “Just try to come back fast, and when I tried to come back, Rizzo was in my line to run. I can slide and go under him. Just timing.” But … you were out by a mile, my dude.
- Also, that was the fastest pop time on a pickoff throw to first base this season by anyone, according to Statcast.
- Old friends:
Davey, Joe and Theo. #Cubs pic.twitter.com/j1PE98q2PM
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) August 10, 2018
- Young Kerry Wood was just something else to watch, man. Strikeout pitchers can just be so much fun:
15 years ago today, @KerryWood punched 1,000 Ks faster than anyone in MLB history before him. #OTD pic.twitter.com/AisVR1ou6x
— Cubs Talk (@NBCSCubs) August 11, 2018
- Some interesting Cubs-related, Chicago-style politicking:
The Ricketts family is targeting Wrigleyville alderman Tom Tunney. But why? https://t.co/jZkalPUNfT via @GregHinz
— Crain's Chicago (@CrainsChicago) August 10, 2018
- The Mets are reportedly interested in a more “old school style” type GM for their open spot, feeling they got too analytics-heavy over the past few years. Before you make fun, keep in mind that there are many “old school” types have success at the top of organizations, so long as they still are willing to incorporate statistical analysis (even if it’s not their thing). Many think of Dave Dombrowski as that “type,” and look at the Red Sox.
- Weightlifting gear and an air mattress are among your Deals of the Day at Amazon today.
