Bleed Cubbie Blue - Cubs vs. Braves Thursday game threadsA Chicago Cubs Fan Community Since February 9, 2005https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47557/cubbieblue.png2019-06-28T12:00:00-05:00http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/rss/stream/184788642019-06-28T12:00:00-05:002019-06-28T12:00:00-05:002019 Cubs Heroes and Goats: Game 81
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<img alt="MLB: Atlanta Braves at Chicago Cubs" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VRTlZ1DIUd3DMSsLe5O8ZHbZHx0=/141x36:3643x2371/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64147710/usa_today_12968526.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Cubs stage a heroic comeback in 9-7 win</p> <p id="ydfbPE">I always strive and preach for balance in this space. This seems quite natural as Heroes and Goats literally attempts to look at the highs and the lows. After a win, or even better after a long stretch of winning, I try to preach that we as fans not get too high. After a loss or string of losses, I try to keep things upbeat. Things are never as good as they are when you are running hot or bad as they are when you are running cold. </p>
<p id="4pEtZt">For a good long while, the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> have been running fair to cold. On May 14, the Cubs were 25-14 after winning the first game of a series in Cincinnati (where they’ll play tonight, how serendipitous?). Since that day, the Cubs have <s>had only two days off </s> a record of 19-23. So things haven’t been going great. Not awful, but not great. In that stretch, the Cubs have played 19 of 42 games on the road. They’ve played four against the <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a>, three against the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> in L.A., six against the <a href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Rockies</a>, six against the <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">Cardinals</a>, three games against the <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> in Houston, four games against the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> and three vs. the <a href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/">Nationals</a> in Washington. That’s a whole lot of games against teams that have playoff aspirations (although at least a few of them are going to be sorely disappointed). </p>
<p id="oJoUUo">In that stretch, the Cubs have lost just one series at home. That was in this stretch, against the <a href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Reds</a> May 24-26, the only series the Cubs have lost at home. With yesterday’s epic come from behind, they kept that streak intact. Sure, they’ve had a lot of series splits, including the last three. But the Reds remain the only team to come into Wrigley Field and win a series. </p>
<p id="7jJHyo">But what to make of Thursday’s game? Part of me wants to say that having to come from behind in a game started by a rookie making just his third start (and not carrying any kind of best prospect in baseball or the system street cred) is not something to be super proud of. But, then another part of me says this. The nine runs were put together by guys who will be a part of Cubs postseason baseball if they get there. Sure, <span>Victor Caratini</span>, who had the big blow of the game, won’t see the field much come postseason. But by and large, these were guys who were going to contribute. Conversely, if <span>Tyler Chatwood</span> has to start a playoff game... there almost certainly will be no playoff games. He’s certainly not one of the Cubs’ top five starters and might not be one of the top six. He allowed six of the seven runs. </p>
<p id="WB54ld">Definitely in the positive column we got to see the Cubs new look bullpen deployed. With a top quartet of <span>Craig Kimbrel</span>, <span>Pedro Strop</span>, <span>Steve Cishek</span> and <span>Brandon Kintzler</span>, the back end of the Cubs bullpen is probably the best that it has been since at least 2017 when <span>Wade Davis</span> was here. Having three setup men with closing experience is invaluable and gives you a ton of mix and match options. Knowing that those four can be paired with some combo of <span>Kyle Ryan</span>, <span>Carl Edwards Jr.</span>, <span>Dillon Maples</span>, <span>Adbert Alzolay</span> and a displaced starter means that unless Chatwood and <span>Mike Montgomery</span> are throwing really well come late September and into October, neither of them are necessary. Additionally, I’ll say for the thousandth time, though the need is less pressing with the Kimbrel addition, it would be stunning if a team with financial resources and playoff aspirations didn’t add at least one piece to the pen this July. </p>
<p id="Jx8TKp">With that, we turn our attention to yesterday’s game as we look at what WPA had to say about Heroes and Goats. As always the Heroes and Goats are determined by WPA (Win Probability Added — <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2018/3/28/17159170/cubs-heroes-and-goats-2018-season-primer">here’s a good explanation of how WPA works</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. Also note, for the purposes of Heroes and Goats, we ignore the results of pitchers while they are batting and hitters while they are pitching. With that, we get to the results.</p>
<p id="yEeb5Y"><strong>Game 81, June 27: </strong>Cubs 9, Braves 7 (44-37)</p>
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<iframe src="https://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=0&type=wins&num=0&h=450&w=450&date=2019-06-27&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=2019-06-27&team=Cubs&dh=0&season=2019">FanGraphs</a></span>
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<p id="bwYcRi"><strong>THREE HEROES: </strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="Wy807u">
<strong>Superhero: </strong>Victor Caratini (.318). Victor had been slumping a bit lately, but he came up with the big blow yesterday, a two-run homer. It was one of two hits in four at bats on the day. </li>
<li id="jztFSR">
<strong>Hero: </strong><span>Jason Heyward</span> (.250). No cherry picking, Jason is now at a line of .270/.358/.445 (wRC+ 109) in 302 PA this year. Each of those numbers would match or best his previous highs as a Cub. Yesterday, he also had two hits in four at bats including a two-run single and an RBI-triple. He also scored twice. </li>
<li id="dc0Cn1">
<strong>Sidekick: </strong><span>Anthony Rizzo</span> (.160). Anthony had two hits and a walk in four plate appearances. He scored twice on a day where he primarily served as table setter.</li>
</ul>
<p id="iI3yvE"><strong>THREE GOATS:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="rHDkva">
<strong>Billy Goat: </strong>Tyler Chatwood (-.343). Tyler’s regressing towards last year’s performance. He allowed six hits, four walks and six runs in just five innings of work. He did strikeout five, but he was largely ineffective. </li>
<li id="tMQjfz">
<strong>Goat: </strong><span>Carlos Gonzalez</span> (-.089). CarGo batted twice and struck out twice. So yeah, it’s just not working.</li>
<li id="91smR7">
<strong>Kid: </strong>Steve Cishek (-.043). Steve allowed a solo homer and struck out two in one inning of work. </li>
</ul>
<p id="Zp75Jn"><strong>WPA Play of the Game: </strong>Victor Cartini capped a Cubs four run rally with a two-out, two-run homer that gave the Cubs an 8-6 lead. (.244). </p>
<p id="oboIeu">*Braves Play of the Game: <span>Dansby Swanson</span> had an RBI double in the third inning to put the Braves up 2-1 (.137). </p>
<p id="fdYFUm"><strong>Cumulative Standings Top/Bottom 3: </strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="kx2Rqe">Anthony Rizzo 17</li>
<li id="5eV4kt">
<span>Willson Contreras</span> 14</li>
<li id="JEgAYx">
<span>Kris Bryant</span> 11</li>
<li id="UeoNcK">*Carl Edwards Jr. -9</li>
<li id="dgVWuh">
<span>Yu Darvish</span> -12</li>
<li id="uWa9Jq">Jason Heyward -14</li>
</ul>
<p id="2PARCf"><strong>Up Next: </strong>The Cubs head to Cincinnati where they lost two out of three May 14-16. The Reds have won four of the first six. The Reds have ran into a little bit of a wall, losing four straight following their longest winning streak of the year at six games. Like most teams, the Reds have played much better at home (19-17 at home, 17-25 on the road). </p>
<p id="eah4HP">The Cubs will have <span>Cole Hamels</span> on the mound. Cole is 6-2 with a 2.92 ERA in 98⅔ innings on the season. Over his last seven he is 2-2 with a 2.66 ERA in 44 innings. Last time out he received a no decision against the <a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a>. He threw seven innings and allowed seven hits, two walks and three runs. He struck out five. He hasn’t faced the Reds yet this year. He did face them twice last year as a Cub and was 1-0 with three runs allowed in 15⅔ innings of work. Both of those starts were in Wrigley Field. Cole hasn’t started in Cincinnati since 2015 (a start he lost, allowing five runs in six innings). </p>
<p id="IPdckc">Current Reds have 111 plate appearances against Hamels, led by <span>Joey Votto</span> with 30 of them (.637 OPS). <span>Tucker Barnhart</span> (15 PA and .277 OPS) and <span>Eugenio Suarez</span> (10 and .522 OPS) have the second and third most PA and have also largely struggled. <span>Jose Peraza</span> is the only Red with particularly strong numbers with a 1.222 OPS in just nine PA. </p>
<p id="6IVI8T"><span>Sonny Gray</span> makes the start for the Reds. Sonny is 3-5 with a 4.03 ERA in 76 innings of work. He’s pitched better of late with a 3-1 record and a 3.89 ERA over his last seven starts, dating back to a start against the Cubs in mid-May. Last time out Gray got a no-decision in Milwaukee. He threw 4⅓ innings and allowed six hits, four walks and four runs while striking out six. In that start in May against the Cubs he also got a no decision. In that one he allowed five hits, no walks and three runs. He struck out seven. In each of those starts against Central division foes, he allowed two homers. </p>
<p id="9l2cPD">The 29-year-old right hander has very pronounced left/right splits (.761 v RHH and .574 v LHH). His home/road splits are a lot more balanced (.704 home and .645 road). Current Cubs have just 34 plate appearances against Gray with Jason Heyward leading the way (8 PA and .000 OPS). <span>Kris Bryant</span> can match the OPS in six PA. <span>Addison Russell</span> and <span>Albert Almora Jr.</span> have each homered against Gray in limited action (four and two PA respectively). </p>
<p id="J6K7JC">The Cubs have struggled against left handed starters in June and haven’t played well on the road. Hopefully, Hamels has another strong start in him and the Cubs can do just enough to win this one. </p>
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https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/6/28/19102623/2019-cubs-heroes-and-goats-game-81Thomas Smith2019-06-27T17:40:55-05:002019-06-27T17:40:55-05:00Cubs 9, Braves 7: Craig Kimbrel’s Cubs debut caps a big comeback win
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<figcaption>Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Cubs won the final game of the homestand in a game that had a little bit of everything.</p> <p id="5tJDHf">When <span>Craig Kimbrel</span> was introduced to Chicago media after signing with the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a>, one thing he specifically mentioned as a factor in signing was <a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/cubs/underrated-factor-brought-craig-kimbrel-chicago-free-agency-mlb-world-series-wrigley-field-fenway-park-red-sox">the passionate nature of Wrigley Field crowds and Cubs fans</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="5mfr29">“One thing that’s important to me as well is being able to play in front of a fanbase that is as passionate about this game as I am,” Kimbrel said in his introductory press conference Friday morning. “I did get to experience that in Boston and it’d be hard to leave that kind of passion each and every night — especially in the role that I am [as closer].</p>
<p id="uVV6Y1">”I’m a very adrenaline-based player. And knowing that each and every night, those seats are gonna be full, it definitely played a huge part in the decision.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="kxdWZQ">You’re gonna love it here, Craig. Kimbrel’s first appearance and save opportunity came on a picture-perfect summer afternoon in Chicago in front of a full house that erupted into a standing ovation <em>just watching him warm up on the video board</em>. Then there was another ovation when he entered the game, and most stood for the entire ninth inning.</p>
<p id="4JEd5P">Talk about adrenaline: I’m guessing Kimbrel’s was going like crazy during his outing, in which he struck out the first hitter he faced (hitting 97 on the Wrigley pitch speed meter), getting a ground-ball out, then allowing a double and a walk before <span>Anthony Rizzo</span> ended the game with a diving tag of first base on a ground ball by one of Kimbrel’s closest friends in baseball, <span>Freddie Freeman</span>.</p>
<p id="qktjns"><a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-06/27/4971837c-e02c7671-1af6d1eb-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">Here’s the entire ninth inning [VIDEO].</a></p>
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<p id="6xc5Dw"></p>
<p id="SbfurF">And all of that was just a great ending to a terrific afternoon of baseball at Wrigley, featuring a Cubs comeback from five runs down. That’s the biggest comeback win of the 2019 Cubs season, <a href="http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2019_06_27_atlmlb_chnmlb_1">a 9-7 victory over a very good Braves team</a>, and although the Cubs managed just a 5-5 homestand, they maintained their one-game lead in the N.L. Central as they completed the season’s mathematical first half with a 44-37 record.</p>
<p id="M8vY4S">But that’s just the end of this enjoyable contest, so let’s rewind to the beginning.</p>
<p id="H5jRFL"><span>Tyler Chatwood</span> had an easy 1-2-3 first inning and <span>Kyle Schwarber</span> gave the Cubs the lead <a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-06/27/e68c1f7e-c90036cc-83bf0e9b-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">after just three pitches [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
<div id="DBamNo"><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://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-06/27/e68c1f7e-c90036cc-83bf0e9b-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="t1re4T"></p>
<p id="dYz2qZ">Fun fact time!</p>
<div id="glKajo">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kyle Schwarber 5 leadoff HR this season is most by a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cubs</a> player since Dexter Fowler (7) in 2016</p>— Christopher Kamka (@ckamka) <a href="https://twitter.com/ckamka/status/1144316728584941574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
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<p id="MHJtGA">But Chatwood regressed into his old, bad ways. He issued a walk leading off the second, then a single put runners on first and third. He got an out at the plate, but another single by noted Cub-killer <span>Ozzie Albies</span> tied the game. And then a hit batter, a double and a three-run homer by Freeman put the Braves ahead 4-1 in the third. Chatwood walked two in the fourth and after a wild pitch, <span>Dansby Swanson</span> singled in both runners to make it 6-1.</p>
<p id="wbfORr">It felt like one of those “this game is over” moments, but as it turned out, that wasn’t the case at all.</p>
<p id="m14GPV">Braves starter <span>Bryse Wilson</span> retired nine of 10 batters after Schwarber’s home run, but unraveled in the fourth. <span>Anthony Rizzo</span> led off with a walk and <span>Javier Baez</span> doubled him to third.</p>
<p id="ceEeoH"><a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-06/27/33de8cdd-794021a3-a2fda42b-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">Jason Heyward, your turn! [VIDEO]</a></p>
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<p id="bNTgM3"></p>
<p id="qmZQ5D">J-Hey’s single up the middle made it 6-3. Heyward took third on a single by <span>Victor Caratini</span> and scored on a wild pitch, and now it’s a ballgame at 6-4.</p>
<p id="xBHxZO"><span>Carlos Gonzalez</span> followed Caratini, ran the count to 3-1 and thought he had walked twice, only to have plate umpire Nic Lentz call both pitches strikes. CarGo threw his bat down both times and <a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-06/27/b3fde828-94569a84-c2416aff-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">the second one got him tossed [VIDEO]</a>. </p>
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<p id="exeL3p"></p>
<p id="wVNM5N">And, CarGo? As you could see on the video above, and also below, the umpire was correct:</p>
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<p id="S7e7Mr">Pitches 5 and 6, strikes 2 and 3, were perfectly placed by Wilson. I have to think that the Cubs are looking for a replacement for Gonzalez, who simply doesn’t look like he can hit anymore. It was a worthwhile thing to do, to see if he had anything left, but it doesn’t appear so.</p>
<p id="kco2Be">Chatwood managed to get through the fifth inning, after another walk, thanks to a double play. He threw five innings, allowed six hits and four walks and six runs... and thanks th the Cubs rallying, he gets a “win” for that. I have to believe Chatwood is better suited for bullpen work. </p>
<p id="pT8cxV">The rally that put the Cubs ahead happened in the fifth. With one out, <span>Kris Bryant</span> hit a ball to right-center than went in and out of <span>Nick Markakis</span>’ glove for a two-base error. <span>Anthony Rizzo</span> bounced a ball down the left-field line that bounced into the seats for a rule-book double and it was 6-5. <a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-06/27/260ba649-76c98cdf-b68cf190-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">One out later, J-Hey again! [VIDEO]</a></p>
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<p id="aYDjIp"></p>
<p id="6zlAG4">That ball was well-struck, for a triple, Heyward’s second hit of the game. He’s hitting just like he was in St. Louis in 2015, the year that convinced the Cubs to sign him. So, maybe it took 3½ years, but looks like the Cubs finally got the guy they thought they were getting pre-2016.</p>
<p id="eH7LET">The game’s now tied, <a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-06/27/8eddaf7a-dc40fd6e-2524e6b2-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">but Caratini quickly untied it. [VIDEO]</a></p>
<div id="JQ4w3J"><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://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-06/27/8eddaf7a-dc40fd6e-2524e6b2-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
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<p id="0w7OHs">That ball: <em><strong>Crushed!</strong></em></p>
<div id="2oraik">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Braves?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Braves</a> 6 @ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cubs</a> 8 [B5-2o]:<br><br>Victor Caratini homers (2): fly ball to RCF (2-run)<br><br>Hit: 406.57ft, 107.31mph, 21.84° <br><br>Pitch: 88.3mph Cutter (RHP Josh Tomlin, 9) <a href="https://t.co/pxkISoOqrA">pic.twitter.com/pxkISoOqrA</a></p>— Home Run Tracker (@DingerTracker) <a href="https://twitter.com/DingerTracker/status/1144337987800580096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
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<p id="ThhAAF">Victor’s second homer of the year — and first at Wrigley in 2019 — gave the Cubs an 8-6 lead.</p>
<p id="q04qx3">Now it’s up to the bullpen, and with Kimbrel now set at closer, that backs up all the other relievers to earlier innings. <span>Steve Cishek</span> replaced Chatwood. He hadn’t pitched in the sixth inning since April. Unfortunately, he immediately made the score 8-7 by serving up a home-run ball to Albies, who just wears Cubs pitching out. Glad we don’t have to see him again this year, until perhaps October. But Cishek then struck out the next two hitters and ended the inning on a fly to center.</p>
<p id="DBvk7g">The Cubs got the run right back in the bottom of the inning. <span>Daniel Descalso</span> singled leading off. No, I am not making that up. Descalso was in a 2-for-29 slump before that hit. He took third on a single by <span>Addison Russell</span> and <a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-06/27/92be6167-6aa9c238-3f38a447-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">scored the Cubs’ ninth run this way [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
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<p id="IOCQcG"><br>A passed ball charged to <span>Tyler Flowers</span> gave the Cubs their two-run lead back.</p>
<p id="7D3rOG"><span>Brandon Kintzler</span> threw a 1-2-3 seventh. <span>Pedro Strop</span> threw a 1-2-3 eighth. Expect to see those sentences frequently in recaps from here on out. Those are roles those guys are accustomed to, and they do them well, perfect setup men for Kimbrel.</p>
<p id="8LmEGY">The Cubs also went down 1-2-3 in the seventh and eighth, setting up Kimbrel for his dramatic first appearance as a Cub, which is where we came in.</p>
<p id="HF1mWe">You can tell Kimbrel’s still a bit rusty. His velocity dipped as the inning went on, and he threw 20 pitches, more than he threw in any of his four outings for Triple-A Iowa. So I wouldn’t expect him to be available Friday night in Cincinnati, and it might be a while before he’s used in back-to-back games. </p>
<p id="WE5YrI"><a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-06/27/a8cd4d5a-1b44246b-c1b6a5cd-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">Here are some comments from Kimbrel after the game [VIDEO].</a></p>
<div id="d0r72i"><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://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-06/27/a8cd4d5a-1b44246b-c1b6a5cd-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="z5GcCr"></p>
<p id="7As2k4">Between the comeback win and the beautiful summer weather at Wrigley Field Thursday, the complaint department is absolutely closed and locked up tight tonight. Fun fact about Kimbrel now being a member of the Cubs:</p>
<div id="8GJEPg">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">10 of the 29 pitchers with 300+ career saves have pitched for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cubs</a><br><br>Lee Smith<br>Dennis Eckersley<br>Joe Nathan<br>Randy Myers<br>Craig Kimbrel<br>Fernando Rodney<br>Rick Aguilera<br>Goose Gossage<br>Doug Jones<br>Bruce Sutter</p>— Christopher Kamka (@ckamka) <a href="https://twitter.com/ckamka/status/1144358073613651970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="mnQoQ8">As noted, the comeback from five runs down was the biggest of the season. You surely remember the previous high, coming back from four runs down in the first inning against the <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">Cardinals</a> <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN201905040.shtml">May 4</a>, the <span>Taylor Davis</span> game, and also on <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN201906080.shtml">June 8</a>, when St. Louis scored four in the top of the first but the Cubs won 9-4.</p>
<p id="lmvQKW">And so the Cubs will now enter an 11-week stretch in which they play just 26 home games, from just after the All-Star break through just after Labor Day. They have not played well on the road this year and that’s going to have to improve for them to continue in first place in the N.L. Central. The Cubs showed some excellent offense in Thursday’s comeback, but I still have the sense they need to add some hitting from outside the organization. The single trading deadline of July 31 is just five weeks away, so stay tuned.</p>
<p id="4Y2COd">In the meantime, the Cubs begin a nine-game road trip Friday in Cincinnati. <span>Cole Hamels</span> will start for the Cubs against <span>Sonny Gray</span> for the <a href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Reds</a>. Game time is 6:10 p.m. CT and TV coverage will be via WGN (and on MLB Network outside the Cubs and Reds market territories).</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/6/27/18790483/cubs-braves-recap-craig-kimbrel-victor-caratiniAl Yellon2019-06-27T15:20:00-05:002019-06-27T15:20:00-05:00Overflow thread 2: Cubs vs. Braves, Thursday 6/27, 1:20 CT
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/b9ZHyc7McpK4VwMYR4CfU1z0Cuc=/0x94:2991x2088/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64143406/usa_today_12964723.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="9fMopi">——</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/6/27/18714820/overflow-thread-2-cubs-vs-braves-thursday-6-27-1-20-ctAl Yellon2019-06-27T14:20:00-05:002019-06-27T14:20:00-05:00Overflow thread 1: Cubs vs. Braves, Thursday 6/27, 1:20 CT
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mAnR5BCK1IEFk1XvxP28Wh1G5Eo=/0x0:3393x2262/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64143012/usa_today_12964726.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="9fMopi">——</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/6/27/18714819/overflow-thread-1-cubs-vs-braves-thursday-6-27-1-20-ctAl Yellon2019-06-27T13:15:00-05:002019-06-27T13:15:00-05:00First pitch thread: Cubs vs. Braves, Thursday 6/27, 1:20 CT
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Id6EBREQbzkiEDrBN46voCcajpY=/397x426:3882x2749/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64142532/usa_today_12769757.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="9fMopi">Go get ‘em, Tyler.</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/6/27/18714818/first-pitch-thread-cubs-vs-braves-thursday-6-27-1-20-ctAl Yellon2019-06-27T11:30:00-05:002019-06-27T11:30:00-05:00Chicago Cubs vs. Atlanta Braves preview, Thursday 6/27, 1:20 CT
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/a_ORNXueAABEzXuiAOe55duZ2Xs=/0x162:4116x2906/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64141685/1158525901.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Cubs need to win this game to split the series and homestand.</p> <p id="nun8qU">A few brief notes before an afternoon affair:</p>
<ul>
<li id="jrAXWV">
<strong>FREE WILLY!</strong> <span>Willson Contreras</span> extended his hitting streak to 10 games (.417/15-for-36) with his fourth inning homer Wednesday evening. During the streak, he has three doubles, one triple, four homers and 13 RBI. His 17 homers are tied for the most-ever by a Cubs catcher prior to the All-Star Break — with 10 games to go before the break. Rick Wilkins also had 17 homers in 1993. Lastly, Willson Wednesday became the first Cubs catcher with a triple and homer in a game since <span>Michael Barrett</span>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/FLO/FLO200605230.shtml">May 23, 2006</a>.</li>
<li id="knl4ZI">
<strong>YOU GO, KB:</strong> <span>Kris Bryant</span> had a three-hit game Wednesday, his team-leading seventh of the season. He has now reached base in 23-straight games, the second-longest streak of his career (also, 26 games, April 17-May 17, 2019). KB is the only player in baseball this season with at least two on-base streaks of 23 games or more. His home run was his first at Wrigley Field since May 24 vs. the <a href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Reds</a> and first homer overall since June 14 at Dodger Stadium.</li>
<li id="coPPDf">
<strong>UNDER-THE-RADAR RELIEF HELP:</strong> <span>Brandon Kintzler</span> threw another scoreless inning Wednesday and has not allowed a run in 18 outings at Wrigley Field this season in 18⅔ innings pitched.</li>
<li id="4AniPK">
<strong>HEYWARD HIGHLIGHTS:</strong> <span>Jason Heyward</span> has gone 9-for-17 (.529) in his last five games and since June 11 is hitting .354/.392/.542 (17-for-48) with three doubles and two home runs. On the season to date, he has a .792 OPS, his best since 2015.</li>
</ul>
<p id="39kDof">Here are today’s particulars.</p>
<p id="HAZTFQ"><a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> lineup:</p>
<div id="3qpZP8">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Final game of the homestand. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EverybodyIn?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EverybodyIn</a> <br><br>Final day to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VoteCubs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VoteCubs</a>: <a href="https://t.co/gdRdxZdk6d">https://t.co/gdRdxZdk6d</a> <a href="https://t.co/HEWNrH1Osk">pic.twitter.com/HEWNrH1Osk</a></p>— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1144259185418350597?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="6ZfO7W">Insert "other split squad: joke here.</p>
<p id="dZPSG6"><a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a> lineup:</p>
<div id="60cZqA">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Going for the series win today in Chicago!<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/tF2BPq04Q9">https://t.co/tF2BPq04Q9</a><br> <a href="https://t.co/bkHnagpb2B">https://t.co/bkHnagpb2B</a> <a href="https://t.co/P9fbrCDPio">pic.twitter.com/P9fbrCDPio</a></p>— #VoteBraves (@Braves) <a href="https://twitter.com/Braves/status/1144269505893412864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<h2 id="V5jSYv">
<span>Tyler Chatwood</span>, RHP vs. <span>Bryse Wilson</span>, RHP</h2>
<div class="c-float-left"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4uYZaJ-0vDoxfxgdp54UzqapAlA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/16388055/usa_today_12381415.jpg">
<cite>Joe Camporeale-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/WGXlY68-TSKD2SuHw98i3P0Qf0M=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/16500168/usa_today_12382321.jpg">
<cite>Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
</figure>
</div>
<p id="ulGpT8">Tyler Chatwood. Man, I still don’t know what to think. He’s had some good relief appearances this season, and made one good start and one mediocre one, the latter being his outing <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN201906200.shtml">a week ago today</a>.</p>
<p id="DLPmSD">So I looked up his splits. He’s pitched much better at home (2.35 ERA, 1.130 WHIP in 23 innings) than on the road (5.63 ERA, 2.000 WHIP in 16 innings). He’s pitched much better in day games (1.76 ERA, 1.043 WHIP in 15⅓ innings) than in night games (4.94 ERA, 1.775 WHIP in 23⅔ innings). He did throw two innings vs. the <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ATL/ATL201904040.shtml">Braves April 4 in Atlanta</a> without walking anyone.</p>
<p id="Eu51La">So here we have a home day game against a team who didn’t walk against him two months ago. Seems somewhat promising. That’s all I got.</p>
<p id="QbLuy0">Bryse Wilson, who has made five MLB appearances (two starts) over the last two seasons, was a Top 100 prospect from all three of the major services (Baseball America, Baseball Prospectus, <a href="http://MLB.com">MLB.com</a>) prior to this season. </p>
<p id="ja3M7y"><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=wilson004bry">His minor-league numbers</a> don’t look all that impressive, though his BB and K rates are pretty good. He has never faced the Cubs or anyone on the current Cubs roster, so we’ll see how that goes.</p>
<p id="DIbTfl">Today’s game is on NBC Sports Chicago.</p>
<p id="cxuSIp"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/2019/06/27">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=2019_06_27_atlmlb_chnmlb_1">MLB.com Gameday</a></p>
<p id="iDRiK8"><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/previews/2019/CHN201906270.shtml">Baseball-reference.com game preview</a></p>
<p id="AScVZw"><span>SB Nation game preview</span></p>
<p id="c01E3n">Please visit our SB Nation <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a> site <a href="http://www.talkingchop.com/">Talking Chop</a>. If you do go there to interact with Braves 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 2019 Game Thread procedure will be the same as the one used in previous years. 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="cWIBoH">Discuss amongst yourselves.</p>
<p id="33zDO8"></p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/6/27/18692860/chicago-cubs-atlanta-braves-preview-thursdayAl Yellon