OSS: David Bote puts on a show. Three up David Bote came up big in this one, the first multihomer game of his career. The first one was an absolute bomb that hit the second deck in left field that broke the game open for the Cubs. Bote was also hit by a pitch later in the game that led …
Series Preview: Chicago Cubs (12-11) at Arizona Diamondbacks (15-11)
The Cubs head to the desert, which is feeling especially desert-like already (high of 101 forecast for today). Since this is one of my two ‘local’ teams I’m out here to catch a few games and see some locals that I know. Thank the maker that (insert bank here) Park is air conditioned. The Cubs just saw the Dbacks last …
Cubs 7, Dodgers 6
OSS: The Cubs hit a few speed bumps but keep on rolling Three up: Javier Baez had the biggest hit of the day with a three run blast that was gone as soon as it hit the bat. The two out shot tied the game at 3 in the sixth inning and chased Dodgers starter Walker Buehler. Jason Heyward followed …
Cubs 7, Dodgers 2
OSS: The Q train keeps on rolling Three up: Jose Quintana put up his third straight fantastic start, striking out seven in seven innings and allowing two runs. One of those at least was due to some bad umpiring so it should look even better. He looks like a completely new pitcher now that he’s started working the changeup more …
Series Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers of Los Angeles (15-9) at Chicago Cubs (10-10)
The Cubs have feasted on a couple of mediocre to bad teams over the past week or so, but now get to face arguably the best team in the NL. They just took three of four in Milwaukee, knocking around Josh Hader for not one but two lead-changing home runs. Team Leaders I’m switching to 2019 numbers now, though small …
Cubs 5, Dbacks 1
OSS: Welcome back, Cyle. Three up: Kyle Hendricks had by far his best game of the season so far, striking out eleven batters in seven shutout innings. His changeup was working today and he was getting plenty of swings and misses. Over the last three games, Cubs starters have combined for 26 strikeouts and just two walks over 21 shutout …
Cubs 6, Marlins 0
OSS: The Marlins stink, but a road sweep is a road sweep. Three up: Cole Hamels had another great start, striking out 8 in seven scoreless innings. I think JD said at one point that only one ball had reached the outfield all game. That was before he ran into some trouble in his last inning due to a fielding …
Cubs 4, Miami 0
OSS: Q keeps on rolling. Three up: Jose Quintana posted his second great start in a row, pitching seven scoreless innings with seven K’s and no walks. Q threw 63 strikes and just 28 balls, which I’m sure was music to the ears of Joe and the Cubs coaching staff. Javy Baez had a three hit day, including a loooooong …
Cubs 7, Marlins 2
OSS: Darvish levels up to kinda meh. Three+ up: Willson Contreras had a big day at the plate, going 2-3 with a HR, a bases loaded walk, and a HBP. The homer followed the hit by pitch, and Willson made sure to take his time around the bases. David Bote actually had an even better day, WPA-wise, with an assist …
Series Preview: Chicago Cubs (5-9) at Miami Marlins (4-12)
Well, at least Chatwood didn’t start after all. The Cubs take a brief break from their homestand for a three game series with the Marlins, who seem to be on track to be a new calibration point for the concept of replacement level. Still, it always seems like weird things happen in Miami, even when you leave their home run …