Cubs Did Something Last Night Done Only Once Before In History
The Chicago Cubs lost a heartbreaker last night to the Arizona Diamondbacks in extra innings. Another tough start for Kyle Hendricks again put the Cubs behind the eight ball. While the offense did everything possible to dig out of the hole, the pitching could not hold the line. The Diamondbacks won in ten innings, 12-11.
Unfortunately, the start from Hendricks and the bullpen’s shortcomings will be remembered most from this loss. Hendricks went just 4.1 innings and gave up seven earned runs. Through 17 total innings pitched this season, he’s given up 31 hits and 24 earned runs, posting an 0-2 record in three starts. The writing is on the wall, and the end should be near Hendricks in the rotation.
The bullpen was given a tall task, but they had every opportunity to put the Cubs in a position to win, and they failed. Luke Little lacked control, letting all inherited runs score, plus one of his own. Adbert Alzolay had a save opportunity and blew that. And it took Drew Smyly just two pitches to give up the walk-off in the tenth.
The Cubs’ next off day is not until Monday; before then, they will have today’s game and four with the Miami Marlins at home. Craig Counsell will need to get creative with his bullpen usage after two straight games of extra innings. Luckily, he found the formula on offense. The Cubs are hitting and scoring runs on the regular now. Last night, they even put up a historical stat line.
Cubs Make History In Gut-Wrenching Loss
The Chicago Cubs scored 11 runs, mostly thanks to 14 hits from an offense that is clicking on all cylinders. Their four doubles, three triples, two innings of scoring four or more runs, and grand slam made history. It’s only the second time in the last 100 years a team has done all those things in the same game. The last to do it was the 1927 New York Yankees. They won that game 21-1 and, eventually, went on to win a World Series.
Michael Busch’s historic run of home runs ended, but he was the only starter not to record a hit last night. Nico Hoerner went 4-5 from the leadoff spot, scoring twice. Ian Happ hit a monstrous grand slam, contributing to his 3-5 night. And Alexander Canario had an RBI double in his first start since being called up to join the Cubs.
Outfielder Seiya Suzuki is due to miss extended time due to his oblique injury. Suzuki was having a year that had fans chanting “M-V-P” during his at-bats. Those dreams for the year are probably put to rest, but this team is still dangerous offensively.
The Cubs are still in the league’s top ten in scoring, on-base percentage, slugging, and OPS. This is all with Cody Bellinger batting just .182 thus far in 2024. This team is not yet fully healthy and is not clicking on all cylinders. However, the culture has clearly shifted to a winning mentality and is driving the Cubs to success they haven’t seen in years. Just remember, it’s only April.