And just like that, the Reds pitching flounders. Up 4-0 with two outs in the 9th, and Cingrani gives up a two-run single to Carp. First and third with two out and Piscotty up.
The upcoming 4 game series at Wrigley could be the final nail in the coffin. Take 3 out of 4 and then coast to the finish line. Even a series split would really be fine: 4 more games off the remaining games total only to gain ZERO ground from right before the series.
Gotta be a little demoralizing for the Cardinals, right? I mean, they chopped their GB in half over the course of 4 weeks. And then it's right back up to nearly 12!!
I think I go to the pen. Kyle pitched great, the pen is rested and some of the guys could use an inning of work, especially with another off day tomorrow. Don't want to needlessly run KH's innings total up this late in the season. He got his CGSO last start. So let the pen take it from here.
Maybe something comparable to James Loney, Iván DeJesús, Jr., Allen Webster, and two players to be named later (like Jerry Sands and Rubby De La Rosa).
This is how I feel often in games like tonight. Absolutely nothing going on for the Cubs. Just ut the game out of reach and we can all get on with our lives.
Regarding FA signings, I hope Heyward is not to the Cubs what Crawford was to the Red Sox. That would be bad. Unless we could get LA to take him after struggling/slightly injured 2017.
It could be a PR disaster for the Cubs, too. Sale's arm could fall of after coming to the Cubs and the Sox could get a decade and a half of majestic dongs, lofty batting averages and dating grins.
Gerritt Cole took the day off today: 4 IP, 5/4 R/EER, 7H, 2 BB, 5 K, 80 pitches. Samardzija not much better so far: 3 IP, 4H, 5/4 R/ER, 3BB, 3K, 2 dingers allowed.
Spent the day playing paintball. Left my phone in the car. Lower back is stiff. Lots of welts all over my body especially my left side. I'm exhausted. I feel a little dehydrated. It's nice to get back to the car and check the score to see the Cubs win again. Life is good.