You can’t escape a day like today without MORE FUN WITH FRANK.
Today, the Chicago Cubs beat the Cincinnati Reds for their 7th straight win, and it was once again Frank Schwindel coming through late with the game-winning hit. It felt familiar because he’d done it the last two games, too, as I mentioned earlier.
But I was selling him short! Because I forgot that it was Schwindel’s 6th inning homer three days ago that was ALSO the game-winner. So he’s actually driven in the game-winning run for the Cubs FOUR STRAIGHT GAMES. And, yes, that’s quite rare:
Per @ESPNStatsInfo: Frank Schwindel is the first MLB player with a go-ahead RBI in the 6th inning or later of 4 straight games over the last 40 years.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) September 6, 2021
From Elias: Frank Schwindel is the second player in the Expansion Era to have a go-ahead RBI in the 6th or later in four straight games. The other was Orlando Cepeda in 1967.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) September 6, 2021
Seriously, this stretch is special. Whatever happens with Schwindel next year and beyond, we’re gonna remember this bit of fun.
Today’s hit pushed Schwindel’s season line up to .343/.386/.650 with a 173 wRC+ (even including the time with the A’s), which is … you ready for it? … the highest wRC+ in all of baseball among hitters with at least 150 plate appearances (h/t @ChiCityBrian). Vlad Guerrero Jr.? 169. Bryce Harper? 161. Fernando Tatis Jr. and Yasmani Grandal? 160. Ohtani? Soto? Lower, lower. It’s Frank Schwindel’s world, folks. (And if you’re old school, you’ll be happy to know that Schwindel’s .343 batting average is also the highest in baseball, a couple clicks higher than Luis Robert.)
While you’re here, enjoy reliving the heroics … today’s:
Another fine Schwing. pic.twitter.com/UVeGNVmjFZ
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 6, 2021
Yesterday’s:
We’ve got another go-ahead grand slam to report.#SCHWINNNNNNG pic.twitter.com/sNmeeeGscx
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 5, 2021
Saturday’s:
No questions, just sing. #Walkoff #GoCubsGo pic.twitter.com/ZYkRkfzLtk
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 4, 2021
Friday’s:
Party on, Frank. #Schwing pic.twitter.com/oCEcjvu8n0
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 3, 2021