It’s tough to say that a series starting on June 2, is a big deal for the defending World Series champions, but it definitely felt that way for the Chicago Cubs on Friday. Following a winless road trip that saw the Cubs lose six games in a row, they arrived home to begin a weekend series against the St. Louis Cardinals and it was ugly early.
Dexter Fowler hit a leadoff home run and you immediately thought it was going to be a rough afternoon for John Lackey. It wasn’t. Lackey pitched seven innings and only allowed two runs. However, the Cubs offense was still struggling to do anything against Lance Lynn.
Then, some glimmer of hope. Oh hey there, Kris Bryant.
Kris Bryant puts the #Cubs on the board with his 12th HOME RUN of the year into the bleachers #FlyTheW
— Around The Bases POD (@AroundBasesPOD) June 2, 2017
🔥 Subscribe to the Untold Chicago YouTube channel to hear Chicago legends tell stories you’ve never seen in headlines — real moments, real experiences, straight from the athletes themselves.
Do not take Kris Bryant for granted.
Anyway, the Cardinals defense ultimately paved the way for the 3-2 comeback win for the Cubs. In the sixth inning, Jason Heyward hit a towering fly ball to right field with runners on at first and second and only one out. The ball should have been caught, but Stephen Piscotty couldn’t get to it and Anthony Rizzo raced home to tie the game.
Jason Heyward ties it at 2. Thanks sun. #Cubs pic.twitter.com/hqTbl25y1u
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) June 2, 2017
We head to the eighth inning. Carl Edwards Jr. walked three batters and with two outs and Yadier Molina due up, Joe Maddon made a pitching change. Admit it, when you saw Pedro Strop coming in you thought the game was over.
Let’s just say Strop hasn’t had the most success against the Cardinals, but that didn’t matter because on Friday, Pedro Strop didn’t want to hear any of that shit.
GET EM PEDRO!
Pedro Strop pitching with the bases loaded against the Cardinals? Never a doubt! #Cubs pic.twitter.com/ZWLAnc3FFa
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) June 2, 2017
Now, more bad Cardinals defense.
https://twitter.com/_MarcusD2_/status/870746326425796608
Again, a ball that should have been caught. The Cubs took advantage.
Ben Zobrist battled back in his at bat to actually make contact with Rizzo at second. The play ended up Rizzo going to third despite the ball being hit to the left side of the infield.
Gotta love it. Your No. 3 hitter with a great heads up base running play.
https://twitter.com/_MarcusD2_/status/870747037268049920
That brought up Heyward and he delivered with a sac-fly to center.
Jason Heyward sac-fly, Anthony Rizzo scores and the #Cubs lead 3-2! pic.twitter.com/E3kT4LfE4R
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) June 2, 2017
Wade Davis goes 1-2-3 in the ninth and this win feels more significant than it actually is. But damn, did it feel good.
https://twitter.com/_MarcusD2_/status/870749433838919680
Also, Jason Heyward is getting absolutely screwed this year because he continues to destroy baseballs but isn’t getting more home runs.
That's three straight over 100 MPH for Jason Heyward today.
104 MPH – OUT (391 FT)
103 MPH – OUT
101 MPH – Double (402 FT)— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) June 2, 2017
He’ll take the W, though.
