The power bats showed up, Javy Baez had another huge game, Carlos Gonzalez did some more contributing, and the Cubs’ pitching was excellent. That’s just a good win tonight.
Kyle Hendricks gave up a trio of runs, which isn’t even bad through 7.0 innings, but that also doesn’t fully capture just how great he was tonight. For just the fourth time in his career (but third time this season!), Hendricks struck out 10 – and he was getting whiff after whiff after whiff.
With a lead upon his departure, the Cubs were able to follow Hendricks with the Steve Cishek-Pedro Strop duo they’ve been missing at the back of the pen. Welcome back, Pedro!