Once again, the Cubs played a very good team very tight, and once again the Cubs lost. Not that it was all a re-run. This one came with an 0-2, bases-loaded hit by pitch in the 10th, and an errant pick-off throw to second base. That’s how the Mets got their two runs to win the game. Art.
Oh, oh. And the Cubs managed to score a run in the bottom of the 10th on a Christopher Morel single. Then Seiya Suzuki knocked him over to third with one out, and then eventually the bases were loaded for Frank Schwindel. So many way to tie the game or walk it off. And he hit a hard grounder almost on top of third base for the easiest 5-3 double-play ever to end it. I just shake my head.
The Cubs did very little against Max Scherzer, as most teams do, though Yan Gomes drove in a couple runs. Clearly he – and he, alone – has Scherzer’s number.
Drew Smyly, like Marcus Stroman before him, went 4.1 effective innings. He struck out the first four batters he faced, coming out of the gate throwing 2 mph harder than usual. Efficiency was the issue, and – again, just like Stroman – you’d want to see a little more length, but it was just his second start off of a long IL stint. Just stay healthy and effective for a couple more starts, even if short …
Steven Brault made his Cubs debut with a 1-2-3 9th inning, getting three groundouts with a good-looking sinker. Arm angle seemed to be giving hitters some trouble. Not that you can conclude too much from a three-batter outing.
Anyway. Cubs lose another one. They lose BOTH halves of the double-header today in extra-innings.
