OSS: Cubs come back and win in extras thanks to a Bryant bomb.
Three up:
- Kris Bryant hit a go-ahead two run homer in the tenth inning to put the Cubs back in the lead. Bryant was 3-4 on the day and also drew a walk, which was mitigated somewhat by the dozen or so double plays that the Cubs hit into during this game.
- In fact, the Bryant HR wasn't the highest WPA play of the game. That honor goes to Javy Baez, who hit a two out RBI single in the ninth to tie the game.
- I'm just scouting the statline here, but it looks like Arrieta had a fairly promising return from his leg injury.
Three down:
- It felt like the Cubs should have scored something like 12 runs in this game. But I'll take the W.
- Rizzo was tossed out at home in the tenth inning in one of the weirder double plays that you'll see, as well as a terrible send and slide.
- The bottom WPA play of the day for either team belonged to Willson Contreras, who hit into an inning ending double play in the 8th in a tie game.
Next up: John Lackey takes on Brandon Woodruff at 6:35 PM CT
Comments
That was a game I recently didn’t really enjoy until I enjoyed, at which point I really enjoyed it.
uncle daveQuote Reply
So that was a pretty important win for CHC last night…
RynoQuote Reply
I know KB won’t win the MVP this season, but he’s 3rd in fWAR at 6.4 behind Anthony Rendon (6.7) and Giancarlo Stanton (6.4). You could make a strong case for him, which is something Myles said a month or so ago and I dismissed at the time. If he finishes the season strong, he could lead the league in fWAR. He won’t have the traditional stats that will get him the award, but still, that’s impressive.
dmick89Quote Reply
They always come crawling back.
/smug
If nobody had invented the RBI as a measurement of productivity, he’d be in the top 4 vote getters.
MylesQuote Reply
To add to that, nobody in the NL has distanced themselves offensively (at least among those with 600 PA or more), so I lean towards the best defensive guy among those players and that’s Bryant clearly. Votto/Stanton are better with the stick but way worse offensively, and Blackmon is Coors-based. I don’t think Bryant has a clear MVP case, but it’s about as clear as everyone else save for RBI.
MylesQuote Reply
Myles,
But then we wouldn’t have R+RBI.
RynoQuote Reply
Great point.
MylesQuote Reply
I think we can pretty clearly blame this on Berselius. If Berselius had been more diligent in applying his math skills to baseball around the time RBI was invented, then we could have had computed statistics rather than count stats.
BVSQuote Reply
No dinner for Berselius tonight, I think.
MylesQuote Reply
Liquid lunch tomorrow though.
http://adelbertsbeer.com
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
So the Cubs winning one of the next three games pretty much sticks a fork in the Brewers, for all intensive porpoises, right? If that happens, MIL would have to win out and hope CHC went 3-6.
But if CHC only wins one of the next three, STL could become a legit threat if they put together a winning streak…
RynoQuote Reply
If Chicago wins out and sweeps the playoffs, they’ll tie Cleveland’s streak.
MylesQuote Reply
Myles,
Have the Cubs ever beaten the Indians in a log series? I cannot remember.
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
They have a natural advantage in log series. They also beat the Indians in the 2016 World Series after being down 3-1.
MylesQuote Reply
Myles,
But is that really an ideal scenario? And if not, but so (in reality), is that the type of perpetuity that would foster such interplay?
RynoQuote Reply
Hmm, verily
MylesQuote Reply
That guarantees the Cubs leave Milwaukee with a 3.5 game lead or better against the Brewers with 7 to play. Depending on how St. Louis does over the next few games prior to their series with the Cubs, it’s very likely that would mean the end of the Brewers hopes of winning the division. Since the Cubs still have 4 in St. Louis, I could see a small path forward for them. As you said, they’d have to win out and the Cubs could go 3-4 and still tie.
The Cardinals are 5 out the best the Cardinals could be is 4 out by the time that series starts in St. Louis. Considering they play the Brewers to end the season, the Cardinals would also have to win out.
For what it’s worth, I’m not convinced the Brewers are trying to win the division. If they were, we’d have seen their best relievers last night. The fact they did not pitch (not a single one of their top relievers) indicated to me that the Brewers are already playing for the Wild Card. That’s the smart thing to do on their part. I think the Brewers gave up on trying the win the division after the Pirates came back against them on Wednesday.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
dmick89,
I don’t think they COULD use their best relievers because they wasted them all on Pittsburgh just to try to hold serve with the Cubs.
Rice at schoolQuote Reply
Rice at school,
Hader was available. He should have been pitching the 9th. Or if you wanted to wait, there was then again no excuse for him to not be pitching the 10th. That is, if the Brewers are more focused on winning the division. They shouldn’t be more focused on that in my opinion.
dmick89Quote Reply
https://twitter.com/mikemayerMMO/status/910945681128468482
berseliusQuote Reply
The best way to ensure Joe Maddon is the best manager in baseball is to have Mike Matheny coach the other 29 teams.
MylesQuote Reply
berselius,
(dying laughing) is that real?
dmick89Quote Reply
I think what some people mean by an “analytics type” as a manager is that they look to see what the splits of certain players are against lefties and righties. So basically what managers have been doing for 50 years.
dmick89Quote Reply
Colonoscopy with no sedation —> done. No IV, no driver needed, no thousand-dollar bill from an anesthesiologist.
You’re welcome, America.
Also —> polyp-free.
Thank you for not destroying my healthcare, America.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Yeah, no thanks.
dmick89Quote Reply
Now, the great dilemma: Should I share pictures of my colon on Instagram…
ceruleanQuote Reply
cerulean,
Tweet them @here.
dmick89Quote Reply
(dying laughing) (dying laughing) (dying laughing)
#whatIThinkOfGrahamCassidy
ceruleanQuote Reply
dmick89,
(dying laughing) (dying laughing)
BVSQuote Reply
No relocating games to PR.
Former Cub down.
BVSQuote Reply
dmick89,
You should try no sedation—I’m serious. It’s uncomfortable, but it is nothing near unbearable. I have had stomach cramps ten times worse. In fact, the prep was the hardest part. If you go in expecting discomfort but also knowing that others have experienced this discomfort and it was tolerable, you’ll do fine.
But if you are concerned, they can stick an IV in and give you sedation if it becomes unbearable. Most Americans aren’t even given the option—they looked at me like I was crazy. But half of European colonoscopies are sedation-free. That’s why I was pretty confident that it would be fine.
In fact, it was strangely validating—I have been dealing with sharp and arresting pain for the better part of my life and more recently a baseline ache and hypersensitivity to pain they call fibromyalgia. This was just another day in the life. I would put it at a three on the pain scale, spiking at times to five, maybe six. No big deal.
ceruleanQuote Reply
cerulean,
I have a family history of colon cancer so my doctor suggested I get one at the age of 40, which was a few years ago. I waited a year until I did it and they actually did ask if I wanted sedation. I said yes and thankfully I don’t have to have another one for several more years. Maybe I’ll take your advice then, but if insurance pays for the sedation, I’ll probably take it.
dmick89Quote Reply
(dying laughing)
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Good to hear you are clear for awhile. Family history sucks. My dad needed an emergency colectomy at the age of 44—his GP said he had hemorrhoids causing his bloody stools, the asshole—so it was recommended I start at 35, no later than 40—I’m 37. Both of my grandfathers died of cancer that probably started in the colon. Good times. Cancer is my new favorite. :shitsrainbows:
ceruleanQuote Reply
This is fine. Everything is going to be alright.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Stupid Pirates. Play better.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Ugh.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Looks like we get bad Lackey.
dmick89Quote Reply
I. Hate. Ryan. Braun.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Pitch better, please.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I’m out.
dmick89Quote Reply
Lackey should do the team a solid and get ejected.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Possibly by repeatedly punching Ryan Braun in the face in lieu of pitching to him.
PerkinsQuote Reply
MVP!
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
Mr. Clutch.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Ugh, stupid Sogard.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Ugh, stupid Lackey.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Third straight time a Cubs starter has been having trouble getting a strikeout against a team that leads its league in striking out.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I prefer first and second, two out to second and third, one out.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Zo!!!
ceruleanQuote Reply
8-spot please
ceruleanQuote Reply
Vogt throws like Miguel Montero.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
No need for Lackey to hit here.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Welp.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Why did Lackey hit for himself there? That was dumb.
PerkinsQuote Reply
It’s not as if the Cubs have an expanded roster or anything.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Great job by Jay.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Zobrist!!!!!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Turned back just in time to watch that. It was great.
Zobrist!!!
dmick89Quote Reply
Still.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Pirates lead.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Ugh again.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Fucking damnit.
PerkinsQuote Reply
I’m not for hitting guys intentionally. That said, if Braun ever takes one to the face, I will not be sad.
PerkinsQuote Reply
I have no problem with Braun.
dmick89Quote Reply
I mean, I have a problem with him getting up on a high horse to ruin some guy’s career over the integrity of the testing program, then getting busted a few weeks later.
berseliusQuote Reply
berselius,
Not nearly as bad of a crime as his personalized Ed Hardy clothing line though, which was probably a war crime in a dozen countries.
berseliusQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
berseliusQuote Reply
berselius,
I’d forgotten about that. Did he ever apologize for that?
dmick89Quote Reply
berselius,
(dying laughing)
PerkinsQuote Reply
dmick89,
The clothing line? I don’t think so.
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
What was that?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
dmick89Quote Reply
Why the hell wasn’t Heyward running?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Nice baserunning by Almora, though.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
I think he assumed it would be infield fly?
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
Javy swinging for Detroit with that one.
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
Berselius is too lazy to log in,
That makes no sense. Infield fly is only with multiple runners on, and not on a bunt.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Well yeah, but I can understand it taking a second to remember.
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
Stupid goddamn Pirates.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Unless by accident, they aren’t winning. No need to check the score.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
They were winning until the ninth inning!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
They didn’t mean to be winning.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Well, the Cardinals gave them the lead on an error.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rondon looked great.
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
Rondon looked good.
dmick89Quote Reply
Wake up, Cubs bats.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
berseliusQuote Reply
Baez!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Runs, please.
dmick89Quote Reply
I hated that slide into first.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
He is safe, though.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Close.
dmick89Quote Reply
Steal second, please.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Crap.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I wish he’d taken second on one of the first two pitches.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Fuuuuuck
berseliusQuote Reply
Not striking out against Knebel counts as a moral victory.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Nice that the Cubs can have an extra closer throwing here.
berseliusQuote Reply
Good CJ, please.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Good Bryzzo, please.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I like how this inning is going.
dmick89Quote Reply
Good Martin, please.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Bases clogged
berseliusQuote Reply
Ugh, that was a bit much to ask for.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Why didn’t La Stella hit for Martin?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
La Stella!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
La Stella!
dmick89Quote Reply
Baez is awesome.
dmick89Quote Reply
berseliusQuote Reply
That sucked.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
(dying laughing) javy
berseliusQuote Reply
Don’t try to hit it to the moon, Javy.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
That could have been better.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Knebel won’t be available tomorrow either. Same for Hader.
dmick89Quote Reply
That was a shitty called third strike.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Not really sure why Martin batted.
dmick89Quote Reply
berseliusQuote Reply
More good CJ, please.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
It’d be cool if CJ can get called strikes two inches off the plate.
PerkinsQuote Reply
THROW STRIKES.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Fuck
dmick89Quote Reply
Fortunately, leadoff walks never come back to bite anyone ever.
ceruleanQuote Reply
I miss Wade Davis.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Wild Edwards.
dmick89Quote Reply
Willson needs to pick someone off.
dmick89Quote Reply
Close play. Damn. Nice work to get the lead runner.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Off the bag!!!!!
ceruleanQuote Reply
(dying laughing) (dying laughing)
dmick89Quote Reply
He *was* safe… (dying laughing)
ceruleanQuote Reply
(dying laughing) (dying laughing) (dying laughing)
berseliusQuote Reply
Yes!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Heads up play there by Russell
PerkinsQuote Reply
Wow
dmick89Quote Reply
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Baseball is boring.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Fuck yes!
dmick89Quote Reply
So that pretty much broke the Brewers’ backs. Too bad the Pirates couldn’t hold the lead against the Cardinals.
PerkinsQuote Reply
berseliusQuote Reply
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
PerkinsQuote Reply
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I was sure he wore Ɛ6.
ceruleanQuote Reply
I guess Cedeno was already done.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I’m sure they could have if they wanted to.
dmick89Quote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Fitting that image was taken in Milwaukee.
dmick89Quote Reply
http://obstructedview.net/cubs-5-brewers-4/
berseliusQuote Reply