The Cubs were in Pittsburgh for a 3 game set. They came out with a victorious 2 games, and saw some solid hitting performances. They continue to maintain their 3.5 game lead in the NL Central, and are now 21-14. Bring on the Cardinals!
We came so close on two bingo squares but just couldn't get it done. Do better Mills/Maybin (and Pitching Ninja!). Ah well. We still love all of you.
September 1st: 11 innings
Cubs win 8-7
This was a back and forth affair, that went into extras. Tied at 6 after 9, both teams scored 1 run in the 10th. Then the Cubs won it on a Happ RBI single in the 11th.
Jon Lester was pitching well until the 6th inning. Through 5, he had just 1 ER. Then there was a parade of hits in the 6th, leading to an uglier 5.1 IP 5 ER 3 BB, 8 H, 3 Ks stat line. The bullpen largely held down the fort, allowing 2 runs (1 unearned) in 5 and 2/3rds. Jeremy Jeffress pitched 1.2 innings to close things out.
Offensively, the Cubs had a good day scoring 8. Happ had a leadoff homer and the game winning hit. Schwarber had a 2 run jack. Kipnis had 2 RBIs. The Cubs scored in 5 out of 11 innings, being a constant threat all day.
September 2nd:
Cubs Win 8-2
Kyle Hendricks was good: throwing 6 innings of 1 run ball. He scattered 6 hits and two walks en route to a win. Underwood and Adam had scoreless innings out of the pen.
The Cubs bats were a big story yet again. Javy Baez had a big 3 run homer in the 4th. The Cubs produced runs on a Rizzo single, Contreras double, and Happ reach on error.
September 3rd:
Cubs lose 2-6
Alec Mills was good if you take out a 4-run 3rd inning. Overall he went 5 and had 4 ER on 7 hits and a walk. Jason Adam allowed 2 unearned runs, but also made the error that led to them.
Cubs bats weren't nearly as strong. Caratini had an RBI single, and Kipnis scored a run on a Bryant ground ball that was booted.
Matt's Sparklepants went 2-1, and improve to 5-5. .500 record baby!