OMG THE BULLPEN CLOSED OUT A WIN!!! AND THE CUBS BEAT THE REDS AGAIN!!!
On the cusp of what would have been a very nice, long start considering the conditions and the pop in the opposing lineup, Yu Darvish was asked to come out for the 8th inning and protect a then one-run Cubs lead. The first batter homered to tie the game, the next batter singled, and then it was in the hands of the bullpen. Gulp.
But Kyle Ryan, Victor Caratini, and Dillon Maples combined to get out of that inning with the game still tied, and then David Bote went hero in the bottom of the 8th with a run-scoring double (Kyle Schwarber later added a sac fly), and the Cubs had a two-run lead heading into the 9th when Tyler Chatwood was tasked with closing things out.
Two quick singles, and your heart was pounding. It was happening again.
But then a mound visit from Tommy Hottovy (calling the “get a double play grounder” play) settled Chatwood, who got out of the inning two batters later.
The Cubs had built a three-run lead (as they did yesterday) on the strength of early dingers by Albert Almora and Addison Russell, plus an RBI double by Anthony Rizzo. Jason Heyward later added a homer of his own.
That is to say, great job offense. Decent job, Darvish. KILLER JOB, BULLPEN.