OK. I’ve calmed myself as best I can. It isn’t mathematically over, so whatever – I’m gonna avoid proclamations in this moment. I did say before this series, however, that the math was so very unkind to the Cubs if they didn’t win at least 3 of 4. So, this outcome was not good …
You know the tale before I tell it, with the Cubs’ bats utterly incapable of coming through in the tightest, toughest, most important spots. Couple that with some questionable strategic decisions (including the RARE time when I would endorse a sac bunt … ), a bullpen that is too easy on the free passes, and a patented Yadi Molina groundball base hit, and boom. That’s it.
Alec Mills was fantastic filling in for Cole Hamels, and he’ll merit more discussion tomorrow. The bullpen walked the tight rope frequently (and got burned on an extremely shifty strike zone), but still did enough – with Mills – to keep this game winnable.
The Cubs’ bats just couldn’t do it. It’s all just such a bummer.