The Cubs were getting killed 9-1 at that point and both needed the rest. It turned out to be the right move, weirdly enough. Well, not to split hairs, but just because it worked doesn't mean it was the right move. I'm not aware of a whole lot of research quantifying the advantages of resting players or playing bench players (I'm pretty sure there's been more on the latter). That said, if there is any real advantage to resting starters periodically or getting extra at-bats for bench players, it was the right move regardless of outcome. All in all, I'm just happy the Cubs won. What a day!