The Cubs, who allowed eight unearned runs in the previous five games, rank in the middle of the pack in the majors in several defensive metrics, including turning batted balls into outs. Brett Cecil was called on to face the lefties Schwarber and La Stella to start the seventh inning.
Willson Contreras #40 of the Chicago Cubs rounds third base after hitting a solo home run against the St. Louis Cardinals in the second inning at Busch Stadium on May 12, 2017 in St. Yadier Molina singled to start the inning, but Aledmys Diaz hit into a double play to put the Cubs one out away. But Contreras struck some fear into the Cubs when he was charged with a throwing error to first base after Kolten Wong struck out for what should have been the final out.
Wade Davis got his eighth save in as many tries. But if he can maintain the level of power production he showed last year, he'll be an exceptionally valuable catcher for years to come, even if the Cubs would prefer that he doesn't throw the ball into short right too much, as he did in the ninth inning tonight. Thankfully, Davis struck out Matt Adams to end the threat and preserve the win. That last game (Sunday) against the Yankees, there were three plays there that we didn't make. "And then once I saw the scoreboard, 96, 95 (mph), OK, we're going to use the fastball, because they looked kind of behind on it".
With Addison Russell still only available off the bench (he walked in a pinch-hit appearance), and a few other bumps and bruises scattered throughout the clubhouse, the Cubs need everyone to take their vitamins and get some rest. In 17 of our games, we've had a deficit of 3 or more. John Lackey and Kyle Hendricks each had perhaps their best starts of the season at Coors.
There are two Antonios, says 'animal' Conte
It was one of our hardest games with the form Everton have been in at home. "We are talking about two great strikers". Nevertheless Conte will not allow his team to take their foot off the gas just yet.
The Cubs have tremendous position player depth.
Pitching coach Chris Bosio visited the mound at that point, Butler got the groundball in his matchup against Yadier Molina and the Cubs settled in to watch only their 14th quality start through 35 games.
Fowler (shoulder) is back in the lineup for Friday's series opener with the Cubs, batting leadoff and playing center field. Right fielder Kris Bryant was scratched with stomach flu, and Maddon said after Friday night's game that Bryant probably won't play Saturday. Jon Jay was forced to leave the game due to back spasms. Tommy La Stella hit a homer though, so everything went according to plan. In Triple-A this season, he has a shiny ERA and a decent FIP, but that is mostly because he hasn't allowed a home run. To this point we haven't pitched almost as well, as starters.
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