Well, ideally Alec Mills would have allowed fewer than three home runs, but the strikeouts and the absence of walks (the Cubs issued zero walks yesterday) were nice, and beyond that…what a great game. Highlights:
- Michael Hermosillo grabbing an opportunity and forcing the Cubs’ hand a bit harder with his playing time. I like that for him and the Cubs.
- Trevor Megill/Codi Heuer/Rowan Wick locking things down out of the bullpen—3.1 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 7 K.
- Another Frank Schwindel home run.
- Three more hits for Ian Happ.
- Andy Green’s conceptually hilarious ejection.
Just a good day by the Cubs.
***
The Diaspora:
Javy Báez doubled for the Mets. Anthony Rizzo doubled for the Yankees. Kyle Schwarber homered and doubled for the Red Sox. Jake Arrieta had a solid start for the Padres. I just thought of 2015 and did a big sigh.
Around the Division:
The Cardinals smoked the Brewers, and with the Reds, Padres, and Phillies all losing, St. Louis is now just a game and a half back of that last wild card spot. Intrigue! Adam Wainwright reportedly has a one-year extension in the works, which makes sense. Jack Flaherty might be able to return this year in a multi-inning relief role. Good times all around for the Cardinals. Just…great.
Up Next:
Game 3 at the kids’ table
***
Whom:
Cubs vs. Pittsburgh
When:
1:20 PM Chicago Time
Where:
Wrigley Field
Weather:
Slight chance of rain, temperatures in the 70’s, wind blowing out at about ten miles per hour.
Starting Pitchers:
Kyle Hendricks vs. TBD
The Opponent:
It’s unclear who the Pirates will throw out there, but it’s unlikely to be anyone deserving of too much alarm. Just stating facts, guys. Maybe he’ll be great, but the Pirates aren’t in great shape. Not trying to pick on the Pirates. The Cubs aren’t great either!
The Numbers:
Where there is a line, it appears the Cubs are -140 favorites with the Pirates at +120 for an implied Cubs win probability of about 56%. The over/under’s at 8½, favors the over, and all these numbers are subject to change when a starter gets announced for the visitors.
Cubs News:
The big thing is that David Ross and Jed Hoyer both tested positive for Covid. Both are vaccinated, which should help them fight it off, but as with all these infections with a virus this new and unknown and lethal, we’re all wishing them the best.
Cubs Thoughts:
It’d be great to see a lockdown day from Hendricks. He could use one of those.
