The Cubs took the opener here against the Pirates, and there was just a bit of heartburn in the last few innings. Its a start.
Yu Darvish looked wonderful tonight, right in line with what he was revealing us in the second half in 2015. The stuff was as excellent as his first getaway, but this time around he was commanding it better. He was so on point that he twice put two-seamers– the fastball he has actually appeared to have the most difficult time commanding– best on the black for strikeouts at 98 mph.
Jason Heyward came through big-time to help the Cubs develop out a 4-0 with an 0-2, two-out, two-run single:
And a two-run single from Anthony Rizzo in the 8th gave the Cubs their 6 runs. Plenty more chances to add even more runs, however a little less coming through with runners on base and under two outs in this one. Of course that implied the Cubs had to get three innings from the bullpen …
Kyle Ryan was solid strong his inning of work– velocity speed still down from last year, but however from his first very first 2Trips but gave provided a double to open his second 2nd. Glad the Cubs won, and thankful he ended up the inning, however if you were looking to be comforted this evening about Kimbrel, you were not.
Complete box rating.
And a two-run single from Anthony Rizzo in the 8th gave the Cubs their six runs. Plenty more chances to add even more runs, but a little less coming through with runners on base and under 2 outs in this one.
Darvish injury up going 6 scoreless, which is outstanding and youll take it. However obviously that suggested the Cubs needed to get three innings from the bullpen …
Kyle Ryan was solid in his inning of work– velocity was still down from last year, but up from his first 2 outings– but provided up a double to open his second frame. He was pulled, and Rowan Wick permitted a couple weak singles to yield a run and bring the tying run to the plate in the 8th. Never ever enjoyable.
Heyward with the 2-out, 2-run single pic.twitter.com/Wo77C0uRdT
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) August 1, 2020
Not enjoyable: viewing Craig Kimbrel these days. Its actually sad, but its the truth. The other night, he couldnt throw strikes or get swings at his curveball. Tonight, he can be found in pumping strikes with the fastball, but right at the belt– the very first batter he dealt with, Josh Bell, crushed one. The 2nd batter he dealt with, Colin Moran, squashed one. The next three people absolutely smoked the ball, but the good news is into outs. Thankful the Cubs won, and glad he finished the inning, but if you were seeming comforted tonight about Kimbrel, you were not.
Back to the good things, though. Cubs win– Darvish was outstanding, and the bats kept doing their thing.
