The disappointment will outweigh the positives from this one, because the Cubs had a chance to sweep one of the best teams in baseball in their house, and came up shy by a couple late runs (including the tying runs on base in the 9th). This time of year, with the Cubs in the situation they are in, there is simply no room for “good” losses.
There are positives, however. I like that Jordan Wicks got the experience of pitching additional innings after the disaster of a first (there’s learning that can take place there). I like that the Cubs battled back to tie the game after the early deficit. I like that the Cubs saw once again that they can be competitive with a great team. I like that Ethan Roberts, Keegan Thompson, and Tyson Miller – all controllable middle relievers – continued to pitch very well (sharing the Ankin Law “Making it Personal” Player of the Game honors, because I just want to give them some love).
Buuuuuut, yeah, the Cubs lost. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman went a combined 0 for 9, and the Dodgers STILL put up 10 runs. Shohei Ohtani got his, and the Dodgers’ real masher – Tommy Edman – went deep twice for the second straight night.
That first inning featured FOUR Dodgers home runs, which, on the one hand, it’s a power-packed lineup. On the other hand, you’re almost never going to win a game where your starting pitcher gives up four home runs in the first inning. Battle as you might.
The Cubs’ middle of the lineup had a strong night, with all of Seiya Suzuki, Cody Bellinger, and Isaac Paredes reaching base three or more times.
Again I say: for the second straight night, a Dodgers hitter homered twice in the game. That statement probably wouldn’t have shocked you, given that lineup, but the identity of that hitter is vexing me beyond belief.