Cub Tracks backs in

Well, that didn’t work out. Kyle Hendricks pitched well, but not well enough. The bats are still in shipment.

Here’s Cub Tracks News and Notes. As always, * means autoplay on, or annoying ads, or both (directions to remove for Firefox and Chrome). {$} means paywall. {$} means limited views. Italics are often used here as sarcasm font.

• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Hendricks strong after 2 costly HRs in 1st. “... two mistakes out of the chute was all it took to send the North Siders to the loss column on Wednesday night.” Russell Dorsey adds on.
• Brendan Miller (Cubs Insider*): Say hello to Adbert Alzolay’s disgusting new slider. “Alzolay recently tweaked his grip with pitching director Craig Breslow and other Cubs coaches.” More Alzolay from Evan Altman.
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation*): The Cubs strongly suggest Jon Lester will be the postseason third starter. “... there’s something to be said for knowing for sure that the pressure isn’t going to affect him in a negative way.” More Lester from Mark Gonzales.

“Jon’s experience goes a long way for me,” Cubs manager David Ross said this week. “Putting somebody out there that can handle the moment, I think is very powerful. I’m going to bet on Jon Lester in a postseason environment.”

• Mark Gonzales (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Cubs’ offensive woes continue in a 2-1 loss to the Pirates despite Hendricks’ strong outing. “... it’s a shame for pitchers ... to pay the price for the lack of support.” Russell Dorsey also reports.
• Gordon Wittenmyer (NBC Sports Chicago*): Ripping Cubs’ Kris Bryant for injuries, bad COVID season dumb and dumber. “At the end of this season your numbers are not going to define who you are, at all,” manager David Ross said of the general conditions and performances this year. Patrick Mooney {$} also has thoughts.
• Tony Andracki (Marquee Sports Network*): How David Bote keeps finding success in clutch situations for Cubs. “I think he’s smart,” Ross said.
• Moshe Wilensky (Cubs Insider*): Let’s put this recent pitch quality patent infringement foolishness to bed. “... unless you are physically in a baseball stadium using a camera or radar gun or similar sensor, you are not infringing QOP Baseball’s patent.”
• Andy Martinez (Marquee Sports Network*): From peach orchards to Wrigley Field: How Cubs Spanish radio broadcaster Omar Ramos ‘reached’ the big leagues. “I wanted to work somewhere where there was an actual air conditioner going on. And avoid the peach fuzz,” Ramos said.
• Cubs birthdays: John Kane, Mike González, Dick Nen, Rafael Palmeiro, Mario Encarnacion, Jake Buchanan.

SimNews:

The simCubs split the series with the Pirates. Jon Lester went seven strong innings for the win, his 15th. Greg Allen had a good day with a homer run and a run-scoring triple.

The I-Cubs unfortunately have to accept second-best — they lost in 10 innings when Tanner Scott had an attack of wildness. Adbert Alzolay was ready for prime time but the bullpen wasn’t up to the task and and Johan Camargo grounded into a game-ending twin killing to end a promising rally.

No game today — the final series of the season commences Friday at Wrigley, against the Cardinals. All game video and related material is available commercial-free, 24/7, at the BCB Media Center.

Food for Thought:

Thanks for reading.