Adbert Alzolay’s first big league start began with a homer on the first pitch he threw, and ended with him losing steam in the 5th inning. But in between, he was sublime. He’s a big league starting pitcher. I have no doubt.
Ultimately, though, the Cubs lost this one late when Ozzie Albies did what he ALWAYS DOES against the Cubs, taking Mike Montgomery deep for a decisive two-run homer. Brad Brach ate up two good innings, but it didn’t matter.
The Cubs did some serious work squandering opportunities, including some of the worst baserunning you’ll see this year. They had a great shot in the 8th inning, with the first two reaching and the heart of the order coming up. But Kris Bryant rolled over the first pitch he saw for a double play, and Anthony Rizzo stared at a fastball right down the pipe to strike out.
Perhaps the most galling thing …