The Cubs bounced right back from last night’s laugher with an almost-laugher of their own. These Cubs can play with these Cardinals. One of ’em was a lot better in the first half, and that’s why the Cubs won’t be in the race down the stretch. But the teams as presently constructed? They’re not that far apart. And now I realllly want the Cubs to win tomorrow to take the series.
Realistically, that was as good as you could’ve hoped for from Luke Farrell in his fill-in start, going 4.1 innings and allowing just the solo home run. He wasn’t dominant, but he was around the zone, he got a few strikeouts, and he didn’t have any implosion moments. I don’t think Farrell has a real chance of sticking around beyond this kind of fill-in territory, but I have nothing but kudos for him tonight.
Ditto to the bullpen, which was perfect from there. I can’t keep saying good things about these guys … except I can! And I must! They just keep pitching so well!
Pat Hughes was honored with news of his election to the Cubs Hall of Fame during the broadcast, which was a cool moment.
Also cool was seeing Zach McKinstry finally get into one:
Nico Hoerner had a three-hit night:
But the pitching, ahhhhhh, the pitching …