Bleed Cubbie Blue - Cubs vs. Reds Wednesday Game ThreadsA Chicago Cubs Fan Community Since February 9, 2005https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47557/cubbieblue.png2017-05-18T10:30:01-05:00http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/rss/stream/154046292017-05-18T10:30:01-05:002017-05-18T10:30:01-05:00Cubs Heroes and Goats: Game 39
<figure>
<img alt="MLB: New York Yankees at Chicago Cubs" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/shTCFXwPY8GaVKDuYG7rcn8MKjY=/244x68:3082x1960/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54839723/usa_today_10046347.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Two in a row! Cubs win 7-5.</p> <p id="ORP8Ez">This homestand seemed like a golden opportunity to shake off some early season struggles and to hopefully get back to playing baseball like we saw the last two years. And so far, the results have been good. The <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> were able to jump out to an early lead last night and hold on for the win. </p>
<p id="eeiuVk"><span>Kyle Hendricks</span> allowed a run in the first, marking the 19th game this year out of 39 that the Cubs have allowed at least one run in the first. But for those of you panicked about that, the Cubs now have a 10-9 record when they allow a first inning run compared to 10-10 when they don’t. So the team has been largely as effective with or without the early runs allowed. </p>
<p id="FDl7Zh">On this night, it was a little more distressing with the wind howling out. Fortunately, the Cubs were able to put five runs of their own on the board in the bottom of the second and this looked like one where they might breeze to the victory. Alas, the <a href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Reds</a> were having none of that script and battled back before eventually losing 7-5. It does seem possible at least that the Reds have found a bullpen arm or two this year. </p>
<p id="HSRts4">A big early lead usually leads to a bit of an unusual WPA graph, let’s take a look at last night’s and see what we have. As for the Heroes and Goats themselves, as a reminder, Heroes and Goats are determined by WPA (Win Probability Added — <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/library/misc/wpa/"><strong>here’s a good explanation of how WPA works</strong></a>) and are not in any way subjective. Many days WPA will not tell the story of what happened, but often it can give at least a glimpse to who rose to the occasion in a high leverage moment or who didn’t get the job done in that moment.</p>
<p id="ajQ9TS"><strong>Game Chart: </strong></p>
<div id="inFekM">
<iframe src="https://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=0&type=wins&num=0&h=450&w=450&date=2017-05-17&team=Cubs&dh=0" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" height="450" width="450" style="border:1px solid black;"></iframe><br><span style="font-size:9pt;">Source: <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/wins.aspx?date=2017-05-17&team=Cubs&dh=0&season=2017">FanGraphs</a></span>
</div>
<p id="9KGP31"><strong>THE THREE HEROES:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="CZ6QQs">
<strong>Superhero - </strong><span>Ben Zobrist</span> (.138). Ben made his return to the lineup after being limited to pinch hitting duties since May 12th and had two hits. His second inning single with one on and no outs was good for a .101 towards his WPA, accounting for much of this position. A double leading off the third was enough to give him the top spot for his role as a table setter in this game.</li>
<li id="RKDd4C">
<strong>Hero - </strong><span>Kyle Schwarber</span> (.128). This one looks a little odd given that Kyle was just 1 for 5 on the night with two strike outs, but a two-out two-run single was worth .176. So of course it’s a little bit of an odd day when your fifth hitter reaches the podium as a table setter and your leadoff man is here for driving in runs. </li>
<li id="XElCE3">
<strong>Sidekick - </strong><span>Anthony Rizzo</span> (.095). Also a relatively quiet day with a couple of grounders to the right side in a 1 for 4 day. Rizzo is here because of his two-out two-run single in the second. His was worth .116 since the Cubs were already up 3-1 and looking good at the time. So refreshing to see some two out hitting, particularly from two guys who have had a rough month at the plate.</li>
</ul>
<p id="Xr5YGf"><strong>THE THREE GOATS:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="pfQblq">
<strong>Billy Goat - </strong><span>Addison Russell</span> (-.060). Addison is here on the back of two outs he made the first two times up with men on base. The first one actually scored a run, but lowered his WPA because two men were on with no outs at the time. Fortunately, the big inning came anyway.</li>
<li id="kefir6">
<strong>Goat - </strong><span>Pedro Strop</span> (-.057). Strop came in with runners on first and second and two outs after Montgomery had allowed three straight hitters to reach base. He allowed a two run double before getting a ground out to end the inning and the scoring for the night.</li>
<li id="pdIfXM">
<strong>Kid - </strong><span>Mike Montgomery</span> (-.023). Mike had gone quite some time since he last allowed a run and it looked like it might be another clean inning this time as he induced two groundballs to start the inning. But then the meat of the Reds order singled, walked and singled, closing the gap to 7-3. At that point, Strop came in, but allowed two of them to score, resulting in three earned runs total allowed for Montgomery.</li>
</ul>
<p id="bZ2EgW"><strong>Year to Date Standings (</strong><em><strong>italics</strong></em><strong> means player no longer in the organization):</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="2OXIwJ">Anthony Rizzo 18</li>
<li id="IHfJ4V">
<span>Wade Davis</span> 9</li>
<li id="PgauSh">
<span>Tommy La Stella</span> 8</li>
<li id="m7iJno">Kyle Hendricks 7</li>
<li id="KQa0JA">
<span>Ian Happ</span> 6</li>
<li id="t2SH5B">Kyle Schwarber 5</li>
<li id="xGty5j">
<span>Jon Jay</span> 4</li>
<li id="7W77h1">
<span>Eddie Butler</span> 3</li>
<li id="Uge1yV">Mike Montgomery 3</li>
<li id="QC6jpc">
<span>Kris Bryant</span> 2</li>
<li id="ofmrJg">
<span><em>Matt Szczur</em></span> 2</li>
<li id="BfOidp">
<span>Miguel Montero</span> 2</li>
<li id="Tmz3kt">Albert Almora 1</li>
<li id="LGCFVK">
<span>Brian Duensing</span> 1</li>
<li id="CVKr7B">
<span>Felix Pena</span> 1</li>
<li id="jtqbRn">
<span>Justin Grimm</span> 1</li>
<li id="dT64fs">
<span>Hector Rondon</span> 0</li>
<li id="powUTO">
<span>Jason Heyward</span> 0</li>
<li id="qlP56r">Carl Edwards -2</li>
<li id="6CT1oq">Ben Zobrist -3</li>
<li id="FdONfG">
<span>Willson Contreras</span> -4</li>
<li id="hTOvcC">
<span>Brett Anderson</span> -5</li>
<li id="mMtYhS">
<span>Jeimer Candelario</span> -5</li>
<li id="ataWwo">
<span>Jon Lester</span> -5</li>
<li id="iUgbL9">Pedro Strop -5</li>
<li id="FjQiso">
<span>John Lackey</span> -6</li>
<li id="iekB85">
<span>Koji Uehara</span> -7</li>
<li id="gAAXTd">Addison Russell - 8</li>
<li id="Jttyx3">
<span>Jake Arrieta</span> -8</li>
<li id="y45wxo">
<span>Javier Baez</span> -15</li>
</ul>
<p id="WUqqrv">Anthony Rizzo adds to his lead, Kyle Schwarber moves up into the 6th spot while Ben Zobrist takes a step back towards even. Addison Russell and Pedro Strop drop closer to the bottom of the list.</p>
<p id="X2ZQhj">Once again, we’ll select the Cuyler Player of the Game (Kiki Cuyler recorded the highest single game WPA in Cubs history). Yesterday, Ian Happ was the clear choice, agreeing with WPA. </p>
<p id="ooLqYJ">Next game is this afternoon with Jon Lester looking to complete the sweep of the Reds. Next column tomorrow morning.</p>
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https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2017/5/18/15657774/cubs-heroes-and-goats-game-39Thomas Smith2017-05-18T08:00:06-05:002017-05-18T08:00:06-05:00Cubs 7, Reds 5: The Answer, My Friend, Is Blowing In The Wind
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bgR3sP6miQbd5K4neU5hfAOKQ1c=/0x0:2946x1964/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54837415/usa_today_10062144.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>One of the windiest days ever at Wrigley produced just one home run... and a weird walkoff win.</p> <p id="oyAogH">Let’s start at the end of the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a>’ 7-5 win over the <a href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Reds</a> Wednesday evening, because I can’t recall any game at Wrigley Field <a href="https://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/mp4/2017/05/18/1399604883/1495081887742/asset_1800K.mp4">ever ending like this [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
<div id="QxZTwm"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><video controls="" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;">Your browser does not support HTML5 video.<source src="https://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/mp4/2017/05/18/1399604883/1495081887742/asset_1800K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="iLmVm7"><span>Joey Votto</span> grounded to <span>Addison Russell</span>, who made a nice sliding stop to his left and threw a bit wide to <span>Anthony Rizzo</span>. First-base umpire Ed Hickox called Votto safe, indicating Rizzo’s foot was off the bag.</p>
<p id="I4yKP1">The review crew looked, and at least one of the angles showed Rizzo’s foot still on first base when the ball hit the back of his mitt, and the strains of “Go Cubs Go” were begun. That review could have gone either way, I suppose, but the review folks supposedly have angles that the home viewer doesn’t, and the Cubs had their second straight win over the Reds.</p>
<p id="EzGPLz">That was an odd ending to a wacky night when the wind was blowing probably as strong or more than any day I’ve ever spent in the ol’ ballyard. It was blowing out so strongly that the Cubs did not put any of the usual flags up except the US flag:</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Xnz1zo1sx2jTYc_ev-01UDkGk98=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8538419/20170517_174749.jpg">
<cite>Al Yellon</cite>
</figure>
<p id="21YmBD">The retired number flags on the right- and left-field foul poles weren’t raised, either. It was a night where we might have expected multiple home runs to be hit.</p>
<p id="EwAM7R">Just one baseball left the yard, though. <span>Zack Cozart</span> of the Reds hit a solo shot off <span>Kyle Hendricks</span> in the third inning. Here’s how much the wind helped that one:</p>
<div id="QaWcrt">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Zack Cozart's HR was hit 91 MPH at a 36 degree launch angle... That combination has never been a HR before and has been a hit 1% of the time <a href="https://t.co/VzPmg8Lmno">pic.twitter.com/VzPmg8Lmno</a></p>— Daren Willman (@darenw) <a href="https://twitter.com/darenw/status/865013855012958210">May 18, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p id="0iA0nB">That homer tied a record:</p>
<div id="Cn2iyZ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Correction: Cozart 3rd visitor, 7th player to homer in 5 consecutive games at Wrigley (Williams twice). No player has homered in 6 straight.</p>— Reds Media Relations (@RedsPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/RedsPR/status/865012288889257984">May 18, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
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<p id="HdrmhF">As noted, Cubs Hall of Famer Billy Williams had two such five-game streaks. Here are the other seven occurrences:</p>
<div id="0YpU4j"><div class="sr_share_wrap" style="overflow:auto">
<table class="sr_share" id="" data-cols-to-freeze="2" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size:.83em; border: 1px sold #aaa; overflow:auto;">
<caption>Results</caption>
<colgroup>
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col class="sort_col">
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col>
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</colgroup>
<thead>
<tr>
<th aria-label="<strong>Rank</strong><br>This is a count of the rows from top to bottom.<br>It is recalculated following the sorting of a column." data-stat="ranker" scope="col" data-tip="<strong>Rank</strong><br>This is a count of the rows from top to bottom.<br>It is recalculated following the sorting of a column." style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;">Rk</th>
<th aria-label="<strong>Player Name</strong><br><strong>Bold</strong> can mean player is active for this team<br>or player has appeared in MLB<br>* means LHP or LHB,<br># means switch hitter,<br>+ can mean HOFer." data-stat="player" scope="col" data-tip="<strong>Player Name</strong><br><strong>Bold</strong> can mean player is active for this team<br>or player has appeared in MLB<br>* means LHP or LHB,<br># means switch hitter,<br>+ can mean HOFer." style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;">Name</th>
<th aria-label="Strk Start" data-stat="streak_start" scope="col" style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;">Strk Start</th>
<th aria-label="End" data-stat="streak_end" scope="col" style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;">End</th>
<th aria-label="Games" data-stat="Games_streak" scope="col" style="background-color: #ffa; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;">Games</th>
<th aria-label="Home Runs" data-stat="HR" scope="col" data-tip="Home Runs Hit/Allowed" style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;">HR</th>
<th aria-label="Tm" data-stat="teams_played_for" scope="col" style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;">Tm</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr data-row="0">
<th scope="row" data-stat="ranker" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">1</th>
<td data-append-csv="beltrca01" data-stat="player" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/beltrca01.shtml?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool">Carlos Beltran</a></td>
<td data-stat="streak_start" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">2004-06-29</td>
<td data-stat="streak_end" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">2004-08-27</td>
<td data-stat="Games_streak" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool&t=b&id=beltrca01&year=2004#0,799,800,801,850,851,sum">5</a></td>
<td data-stat="HR" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">7</td>
<td data-stat="teams_played_for" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">HOU</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="1">
<th scope="row" data-stat="ranker" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">2</th>
<td data-append-csv="sosasa01" data-stat="player" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sosasa01.shtml?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool">Sammy Sosa</a></td>
<td data-stat="streak_start" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">1998-06-03</td>
<td data-stat="streak_end" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">1998-06-15</td>
<td data-stat="Games_streak" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool&t=b&id=sosasa01&year=1998#0,1143,1144,1145,1146,1153,sum">5</a></td>
<td data-stat="HR" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">7</td>
<td data-stat="teams_played_for" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">CHC</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="2">
<th scope="row" data-stat="ranker" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">3</th>
<td data-append-csv="sandbry01" data-stat="player" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sandbry01.shtml?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool">Ryne Sandberg</a></td>
<td data-stat="streak_start" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">1989-08-07</td>
<td data-stat="streak_end" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">1989-08-11</td>
<td data-stat="Games_streak" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool&t=b&id=sandbry01&year=1989#1185-1189-sum">5</a></td>
<td data-stat="HR" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">6</td>
<td data-stat="teams_played_for" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">CHC</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="3">
<th scope="row" data-stat="ranker" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">4</th>
<td data-append-csv="durhale01" data-stat="player" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/durhale01.shtml?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool">Leon Durham</a></td>
<td data-stat="streak_start" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">1984-04-21</td>
<td data-stat="streak_end" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">1984-05-07</td>
<td data-stat="Games_streak" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool&t=b&id=durhale01&year=1984#0,444,453,454,455,456,sum">5</a></td>
<td data-stat="HR" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">5</td>
<td data-stat="teams_played_for" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">CHC</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="4">
<th scope="row" data-stat="ranker" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">5</th>
<td data-append-csv="schmimi01" data-stat="player" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/schmimi01.shtml?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool">Mike Schmidt</a></td>
<td data-stat="streak_start" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">1980-05-31</td>
<td data-stat="streak_end" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">1980-08-13</td>
<td data-stat="Games_streak" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool&t=b&id=schmimi01&year=1980#0,1125,1126,1181,1182,1183,sum">5</a></td>
<td data-stat="HR" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">6</td>
<td data-stat="teams_played_for" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">PHI</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="5">
<th scope="row" data-stat="ranker" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">6</th>
<td data-append-csv="willibi01" data-stat="player" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/willibi01.shtml?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool">Billy Williams</a></td>
<td data-stat="streak_start" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">1972-06-01</td>
<td data-stat="streak_end" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">1972-06-16</td>
<td data-stat="Games_streak" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool&t=b&id=willibi01&year=1972#0,1829,1839,1840,1841,1842,sum">5</a></td>
<td data-stat="HR" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">6</td>
<td data-stat="teams_played_for" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">CHC</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="6">
<th scope="row" data-stat="ranker" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">7</th>
<td data-append-csv="willibi01" data-stat="player" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/willibi01.shtml?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool">Billy Williams</a></td>
<td data-stat="streak_start" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">1965-09-03</td>
<td data-stat="streak_end" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">1965-09-15</td>
<td data-stat="Games_streak" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; "><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool&t=b&id=willibi01&year=1965#0,798,799,800,807,808,sum">5</a></td>
<td data-stat="HR" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">6</td>
<td data-stat="teams_played_for" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; ">CHC</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div id="credit_ajax_result_table" class="sr_share" style="font-size: 0.83em;">Provided by <a href="http://www.sports-reference.com/sharing.html?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool">Baseball-Reference.com</a>: <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/play-index/streak_finder.cgi?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool">View Play Index Tool Used</a><br>Generated 5/18/2017.</div>
</div></div>
<p id="kHc3TJ"></p>
<p id="1wzsDm">By the time Cozart homered, the Cubs had put a five-spot on the board in the bottom of the second off old friend <span>Scott Feldman</span>. Despite the gale blowing out, the inning featured no hit longer than a single. 10 men batted in the inning, and both <span>Kyle Schwarber</span> and Rizzo had two-run singles.</p>
<p id="FTZEnp">Speaking of Schwarber, he did some damage to the “Budweiser” sign on the right-field video board <a href="https://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/mp4/2017/05/18/1398977783/1495078358665/asset_1800K.mp4">during batting practice [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
<div id="FIyQEP"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><video controls="" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;">Your browser does not support HTML5 video.<source src="https://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/mp4/2017/05/18/1398977783/1495078358665/asset_1800K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="WAbFrs">I’m guessing Budweiser got enough free PR out of this to pay for any repair costs.</p>
<p id="XwVCFY">So after Cozart’s homer the Cubs led 5-2. The Cubs added a pair of runs in the third. With runners on second and third and one out, Hendricks laid down <a href="https://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/mp4/2017/05/18/1398884283/1495071752863/asset_1800K.mp4">a perfect squeeze bunt [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
<div id="JDNiPy"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><video controls="" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;">Your browser does not support HTML5 video.<source src="https://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/mp4/2017/05/18/1398884283/1495071752863/asset_1800K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="WDr7XL">Nicely done, especially with two strikes. <span>Jon Jay</span> then made it 7-2 with an RBI single.</p>
<p id="prnABd">That’s a lot of scoring early on a windy night, and the Cubs figured to go into double figures... except after that, things really slowed down scoring-wise. Hendricks slammed the door on the Reds, retiring 10 of the last 11 batters he faced. I can’t say enough good things about Hendricks’ outing, keeping the ball in the park (except for Cozart’s).</p>
<p id="ACvZxf">The Cubs stopped scoring after the third, too. Reliever <span>Austin Brice</span> came in to replace Feldman with two out in the third and retired all seven hitters he faced, six on ground balls.</p>
<p id="Tj2iYq">In the seventh, <span>Mike Montgomery</span> entered and dispatched the first two hitters he faced on ground balls, and then he got into trouble. Two singles and a walk produced a run, ending Montgomery’s scoreless-inning streak at 18⅔. Montgomery’s problem continues to be command and control. He faced five hitters and went to a 3-2 count on three of them. I can’t see him ever being a successful starter unless he can get that control... under control.</p>
<p id="QMz7rS"><span>Pedro Strop</span> was summoned and he made matters worse by serving up a double to Eugenio Suarez. Now it’s 7-5 and the Cubs have to switch to late-inning relief mode. <span>Carl Edwards Jr.</span> had a 1-2-3 eighth. The Cubs loaded the bases on walks off <span>Raisel Iglesias</span> in the bottom of the inning, but could not score.</p>
<p id="jIUEPi">So then it was up to <span>Wade Davis</span>, who retired <span>Billy Hamilton</span> and Cozart easily before Votto’s ground ball. <a href="http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/230835772/cubs-ride-5-run-2nd-to-win-over-reeling-reds/?topicId=27118368">Here’s what Joe Maddon said about the way the game ended</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="KSzzbq">Maddon said it was "awkward" to end the game with a call being reviewed.</p>
<p id="McDRMr">"I thought there was one angle that they showed on the board that indicated [Rizzo] was on the bag," Maddon said. "The others were not so encouraging. I've learned already from calls that have gone against us that they have a different look in New York and see it in an even more high-def situation and blow it up. Fortunately, it went our way."</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="XJFzOA">One more strange thing happened during this game, <a href="https://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/mp4/2017/05/18/1398534083/1495068736698/asset_1800K.mp4">in the first inning [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
<div id="fDmktC"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><video controls="" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;">Your browser does not support HTML5 video.<source src="https://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/mp4/2017/05/18/1398534083/1495068736698/asset_1800K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="opSIo0"><span>Kris Bryant</span>’s line drive went right into Feldman’s glove as his bat broke. A piece of the bat stuck in the net behind the plate and couldn’t be dislodged. An inning or so later, some Wrigley staffers came out with a ladder. Precariously perching it on the net, one of them climbed up and removed the broken bat piece, yet another Wrigley first.</p>
<p id="5gLn3U">It was the fourth win in five tries against the Reds so far this year and put the Cubs back over .500 at 20-19. With the <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">Cardinals</a> blowing a 4-0 lead and losing to the <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Red Sox</a> in 13 and the <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a> defeating the <a href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a> in San Diego, Milwaukee takes over first place in the N.L. Central by half a game over St. Louis, and the Cubs trail the Brewers by two.</p>
<p id="pIqp0j">More good things from this game: Ben Zobrist returned to the starting lineup and had two hits, both of which were key in the run-scoring rallies. And the Cubs went 3-for-10 with RISP.</p>
<p id="KHP2rN">The Cubs thus win the series, their first series win in two weeks, and go for the sweep Thursday afternoon at 1:20 p.m. CT. The Cubs certainly like hitting against Reds pitching:</p>
<div id="MX7WVx">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash">#Cubs</a> have scored at least 5 runs in 24 of their last 26 games against the Reds.</p>— Christopher Kamka (@ckamka) <a href="https://twitter.com/ckamka/status/865008597729554432">May 18, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="q7zsuN"><a href="http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-87.65624508512374&lat=41.94814090878626#.WR2HshMrLKI">The wind will still be blowing out Thursday</a> (though not as strongly as Wednesday). <span>Jon Lester</span> goes for the Cubs and the Reds say rookie <span>Amir Garrett</span> will be recalled from Triple-A Louisville to start for them. The game preview will post at 11:30 a.m. CT.</p>
<p id="wM2uxD"></p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2017/5/18/15657362/cubs-reds-recap-kyle-schwarber-kyle-hendricks-mlb-scoresAl Yellon2017-05-17T21:50:02-05:002017-05-17T21:50:02-05:00Overflow Thread 3: Cubs vs. Reds, Wednesday 5/17, 7:05 CT
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/H1lLdjtuqIN28ByEXcCn60OVbBc=/34x605:4189x3375/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54821421/683946420.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by David Banks/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="gFypuf">——</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2017/5/17/15633458/overflow-thread-3-cubs-vs-reds-wednesday-5-17-7-05-ctAl Yellon2017-05-17T21:05:01-05:002017-05-17T21:05:01-05:00Overflow Thread 2: Cubs vs. Reds, Wednesday 5/17, 7:05 CT
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bbSeNU16IDi5uj-0mDwMIZDRbiA=/0x184:1365x1094/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54821393/683942856.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by David Banks/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="gFypuf">——</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2017/5/17/15633454/overflow-thread-2-cubs-vs-reds-wednesday-5-17-7-05-ctAl Yellon2017-05-17T20:05:02-05:002017-05-17T20:05:02-05:00Overflow Thread 1: Cubs vs. Reds, Wednesday 5/17, 7:05 CT
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MdKa4FWgUmNKZ7nDiOpa-oJb3uI=/0x261:3351x2495/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54821385/683950314.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by David Banks/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="gFypuf">——</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2017/5/17/15633452/overflow-thread-1-cubs-vs-reds-wednesday-5-17-7-05-ctAl Yellon2017-05-17T17:00:01-05:002017-05-17T17:00:01-05:00Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview, Wednesday 5/17, 7:05 CT
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fKpM_nyQkREBlWR7OyO9918yaPg=/0x512:2396x2109/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54821227/GettyImages-683953682.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Banks/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Cubs go for two in a row over the Reds.</p> <p>Came across this interesting factoid yesterday:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">With a win today, the <a href="https://twitter.com/astros">@Astros</a> will have won 70% of their first 40 games. 3 of the last 4 teams to do so have won <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-series">the World Series</a>. <a href="https://t.co/RBdUDCwojc">pic.twitter.com/RBdUDCwojc</a></p>
— MLB Stat of the Day (@MLBStatoftheDay) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBStatoftheDay/status/864526022833721344">May 16, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> did win and entered today 28-12. The tweet didn't say who the last three teams to do it and win the World Series were, but as far as I can tell they are:</p>
<blockquote>2016 Cubs: 29-11<br> 2005 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a>: 28-12<br> 1998 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a>: 31-9</blockquote>
<p>The one that didn't was the 2001 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Mariners</a>, who also started 31-9.</p>
<p>Hopefully the Cubs can make the Astros one of two teams in recent years that started at .700 or above in their first 40 games and did not win the World Series. (FWIW, the Astros won Wednesday afternoon to go to 29-12. Last year's Cubs were also 29-12.)</p>
<p id="xd18M6">Here are today’s particulars.</p>
<p id="Yv7Z7W"><a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> lineup:</p>
<blockquote>Schwarber LF, Bryant 3B, Rizzo 1B, Happ CF, Zobrist 2B, Russell SS, Montero C, Hendricks P, Jay RF</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here is tonight's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash">#Cubs</a> lineup vs. Cincinnati. <br><br>Game preview: <a href="https://t.co/DHB5Pmbz67">https://t.co/DHB5Pmbz67</a> <a href="https://t.co/ie8BOciwMM">pic.twitter.com/ie8BOciwMM</a></p>
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/864919276846686209">May 17, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<p id="FbwPnv"><a href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Reds</a> lineup:</p>
<blockquote>Hamilton CF, Cozart SS, Votto 1B, Duvall LF, Suarez 3B, Schebler RF, Peraza 2B, Barnhart C, Feldman P</blockquote>
<h3 id="uUA7L0">
<span>Kyle Hendricks</span> vs. <span>Scott Feldman</span>
</h3>
<div class="c-float-left"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/u3PNGIbvb-pE8oH0f13Sk4yJKw0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8515717/usa_today_9928126.jpg">
<cite>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
</figure>
</div>
<div class="c-float-right"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6srwsnYFtBh5wZOqNv5ZQhUDTOE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8515719/usa_today_9942545.jpg">
<cite>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
</figure>
</div>
<p>After a rough start Kyle Hendricks has looked like 2016 Kyle over his last four starts: 1.52 ERA, 1.099 WHIP, 21 strikeouts in 23⅔ innings. He did not face the Reds in the series in Cincinnati in April, and last year he posted a 3.18 ERA and 1.294 WHIP in three starts against the Reds. Current Reds are hitting .273 (27-for-99) against him with three home runs, two of those by Joey Votto. Keep the ball down tonight, Kyle!</p>
<p>Hello, old friend Scott Feldman. Too bad this game didn't feature him matching up against <span>Jake Arrieta</span>, the pitcher for whom he was traded. Feldman is having a fine year; he's already thrown a complete-game shutout, one of seven such games so far this year. He'll almost certainly be traded at the deadline. You don't suppose...</p>
<p>Nah. Feldman is now 34, seemingly not the type of guy Theo would go after. Interestingly, he has never faced the Cubs -- not once over 329 career appearances (191 starts). Thus current Cubs are a small-sample-size 6-for-35 against him (about half of that is <span>Ben Zobrist</span>, 3-for-16) and none of the Cubs' big bats (<span>Anthony Rizzo</span>, <span>Kyle Schwarber</span>, <span>Kris Bryant</span>) have ever faced him.</p>
<p>Could be an interesting night with the wind blowing out again.</p>
<p id="r9B1hx">Today's game is on WGN.</p>
<p id="y4SIM1"><a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mediacenter/index.jsp?ymd=20140401#date=5/17/2017">Here is the complete MLB.com Mediacenter for today.</a></p>
<p id="Xe5URc"><a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2017_05_17_cinmlb_chnmlb_1#game=2017_05_17_cinmlb_chnmlb_1,game_state=Live">MLB.com Gameday</a></p>
<p id="cOzi2Y"><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/previews/2017/CHN201705170.shtml">Baseball-reference.com game preview</a></p>
<p id="AScVZw"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/events/522970/pregame">SB Nation game preview</a></p>
<p id="c01E3n">Please visit our SB Nation <a href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Reds</a> site <a href="http://www.redreporter.com/">Red Reporter</a>. If you do go there to interact with Reds fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.</p>
<p id="4R9cxt">The 2017 Game Thread procedure will be the same as the one used during 2016. Here's how it works.</p>
<p id="uNrOo7">You'll find the game preview posted separately on the front page, two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).</p>
<p id="Jy7Er2">At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page. The First Pitch Thread and all the overflow threads will be published in that stream, as well as the recap. The recap will also live on the front page as a separate post, and at the time I write the recap I will rename the stream "Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of Week) Game Threads" so you can go back and find every thread related to that particular game.</p>
<p id="F5ehVY">You will also be able to find the preview, First Pitch Thread, all the overflow threads and recap in the box marked "Chicago Cubs Game Threads" at the bottom of the front page (you can also find them in <a href="http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/chicago-cubs-game-threads">this section link</a>). They will also appear in the game's StoryStream as noted above.</p>
<p id="pjBR1E">The First Pitch thread will post at five minutes before game time, then an overflow thread at one hour, two hours and 2:45 after the scheduled game time.</p>
<p id="14mqou">Get tickets to Cubs games from our partner StubHub <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stubhub.com%2Fchicago-cubs-tickets%2Fperformer%2F5644%2F%3Fgcid%3DchDIG-_-geoUS-_-genAllTix-_-dt170314-_-cmpEvergreenVoxOrganic-_-mktgrBRAND-_-partVox&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bleedcubbieblue.com%2F2017%2F5%2F17%2F15632738%2Fchicago-cubs-cincinnati-reds-preview-wednesday" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p id="5IZfMU">Discuss amongst yourselves.</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2017/5/17/15632738/chicago-cubs-cincinnati-reds-preview-wednesdayAl Yellon