Bleed Cubbie Blue - Cubs vs. Pirates Friday game threadsA Chicago Cubs Fan Community Since February 9, 2005https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47557/cubbieblue.png2019-09-14T10:00:00-05:00http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/rss/stream/206235222019-09-14T10:00:00-05:002019-09-14T10:00:00-05:002019 Cubs Heroes and Goats: Game 147
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<img alt="Pittsburgh Pirates v Chicago Cubs" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iD0RO3_H-sVLsFmYClddW-xfsSo=/748x173:2676x1458/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65245525/1174517293.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Cubs pound Pirates for five home runs, win 17-8</p> <p id="14G4Rv">In the comments section of Al’s <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/9/13/20857359/cubs-pirates-series-preview">On the Horizon piece</a> for this series, I said it was about time to win 10 out of three. I can only assume the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> heard me and misunderstood that I was looking for them a lopsided game. I’ll take it but, of course, it doesn’t count extra in the standings no matter how badly you beat the other team. </p>
<p id="uGfW5s">I have to admit, after reading that series preview and how the <a href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pirates</a> have righted their ship a bit the last few weeks, when they jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the top of the first, I was pretty frustrated. So it was exciting for me when the Cubs plated five in the bottom of the inning to take the lead. </p>
<p id="OQRyJL">There are 15 games now remaining in the season. The Cubs got some help Friday night. Of the teams within five games of a playoff spot, only the Cubs and <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> won. Inexplicably, the <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a> have now lost five straight after they stormed back into the playoff picture. </p>
<p id="DYEX6z">The Cubs slugged five more homers on Friday. They are likely to set a new team record for most home runs in a single season at some time this weekend. On Friday, they set a team record for grand slams in a season at 10. </p>
<p id="garEus">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="QFiYBv"><strong>Game 147, September 12: </strong>Cubs 17, Pirates 8 (79-68)</p>
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<iframe src="https://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=0&type=livewins&num=0&h=450&w=450&date=2019-09-13&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/livewins.aspx?date=2019-09-13&team=Cubs&dh=0&season=2019">FanGraphs</a></span>
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<p id="DiQ9IT"><strong>THREE HEROES:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="drWQnK">
<strong>Superhero: </strong><span>Nico Hoerner</span> (.223). Nico had two hits, including a homer. He drove in four runs and scored two. He also drew a walk. </li>
<li id="4tLV0f">
<strong>Hero: </strong><span>Willson Contreras</span> (.212). Willson had two homers among his three hits. He scored three times, drove in two and drew a walk. </li>
<li id="lr3R2m">
<strong>Sidekick: </strong><span>Anthony Rizzo</span> (.174). Anthony had three hits, including a grand slam. He scored twice. </li>
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<p id="RwinoP"><strong>THREE GOATS:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="Ak30Gv">
<strong>Billy Goat: </strong><span>Jon Lester</span> (-.268). Jon threw five innings, allowing 11 hits and walks, seven runs (four earned), </li>
<li id="JLEYRN">
<strong>Goat: </strong><span>Kris Bryant</span> (-.025) . Kris had only one hit and one walk in five plate appearances. </li>
<li id="QNOQ6N">
<strong>Kid: </strong><span>Victor Caratini</span>/<span>Ian Happ</span>/<span>Daniel Descalso</span> (.000). Each was hitless in one at bat. There were others with the same score, but arguably, all of those players produced more relative value (reaching on a walk, etc.). </li>
</ul>
<p id="FxqCPI"><strong>WPA Play of the Game: </strong><span>Pablo Reyes</span> tripled with two on and two outs in the top of the first inning. This gave the Pirates a 3-0 lead six batters into the game. (.171) </p>
<p id="Osc6w2">*Cubs Play of the Game: Anthony Rizzo hit a grand slam with two outs and the Cubs leading 6-4 in the third inning. (.171)</p>
<p id="BIeHUj"><strong>Cumulative Standings Top/Bottom 3:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="WNObG0">Anthony Rizzo - 33</li>
<li id="DBTMwV">Kris Bryant 30.75</li>
<li id="SEiBAI">
<span>Kyle Hendricks</span> 16</li>
<li id="T5aC9S">!<span>Carl Edwards Jr.</span> -12</li>
<li id="MeTvD4">
<span>Jason Heyward</span> -17</li>
<li id="OxLk7K">
<span>Pedro Strop</span> -20.5</li>
</ul>
<p id="6K4hnw"><strong>Up Next: </strong>The Cubs will look for a third straight win while the Pirates look to stand in their way. In game two of the series, <span>Kyle Hendricks</span> will be on the mound. Kyle is 10-9 with a 3.33 ERA in 159⅔ innings. Over his last seven starts, he is 2-1 with a 4.12 ERA in 39⅓ innings. His last start was a win against the <a href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a> in which he allowed two runs, one earned, over 5⅔ innings. He allowed seven hits, one walk and five strikeouts. He’s faced the Pirates twice this year and is 0-1 despite only allowing three runs in 10 innings of work. Current Pirates have 120 PA against Kyle, but only a .544 OPS. Hendricks has had mastery over <span>Josh Bell</span> (25, .480) but has struggled against <span>Adam Frazier</span> (11, 1.255) who is the only current Pirate who has ever hit a homer against Hendricks.</p>
<p id="RSBjqz">25-year-old right hander <span>James Marvel</span> starts for the Pirates. He is making his second big league start. Last time, he allowed two runs in four hits and two walks over five innings against the <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">Cardinals</a>. In 28 starts in Double-A and Triple-A this year, Marvel is 16-5 with a 2.94 ERA in 162⅓ innings of work. </p>
<p id="Wr85tA">Hopefully, the Cubs can keep the bats going and Kyle can continue to slow down Pirates hitters. </p>
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https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/9/14/20865435/2019-cubs-heroes-and-goats-game-147Thomas Smith2019-09-13T20:15:15-05:002019-09-13T20:15:15-05:00Cubs 17, Pirates 8: Anthony Rizzo, Nico Hoerner lead all the hitting you could possibly ask for
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/w1adhgSLb6M3vuTG-fI_DgEKsxI=/0x183:2459x1822/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65243766/1174520269.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Now THAT was entertaining, and an important win.</p> <p id="IfanbT">The lasting image in my head from <a href="http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2019_09_13_pitmlb_chnmlb_1">the Cubs’ ridiculous 17-8 win</a> over the <a href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pirates</a> is the one at the top of this recap.</p>
<p id="PvDqAR">It’s <span>Anthony Rizzo</span>, jumping into <span>Jon Lester</span>’s arms after he hit his third-inning grand slam that gave the Cubs their second five-run inning (!) of the game.</p>
<p id="cFI4SO">You could almost feel all the “uptightness,” <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBastian/status/1172579299628634113">as Joe Maddon put it before the game</a>, being released in that one moment.</p>
<p id="lQoq5Z">There are a lot of things to talk about for this crazy game, so the beginning is the best place... the place where it appeared the Cubs simply forgot how to play defense. After a leadoff single, <span>Willson Contreras</span> decided to throw to second with a runner going... on ball four. That ball went into center field and <span>Albert Almora Jr.</span> threw it somewhere in the general direction of Addison Street, and by the time all that nonsense was over, the Pirates had a run. </p>
<p id="zye8EQ">You might not believe all that, but <a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/13/66c41fcf-798ca70f-d9fde7bc-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">here is video evidence of all the misplays</a>.</p>
<div id="Pq7PAa"><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/2019/2019-09/13/66c41fcf-798ca70f-d9fde7bc-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="LhMRNk"><span>Jon Lester</span> retired the next two hitters, but then a walk, triple and double made it 4-0.</p>
<p id="zsLwkq">This was not a good way to begin this game, no, not at all.</p>
<p id="Qx1hNQ">And yet, the Cubs marched right back and took the lead in the bottom of the inning. <span>Anthony Rizzo</span>, who’s staying in the leadoff spot for now, began with a single.</p>
<p id="a04ZDV"><span>Nicholas Castellanos</span> <a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/13/bc594306-c82ec96a-65524601-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">cut the lead to 4-2 [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
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<p id="9rxih1"></p>
<p id="vJ9ZPz">That was Castellanos’ 15th home run as a Cub... in 40 games. His season total of 26 matches his career high, set in 2017.</p>
<p id="QkFRW3">The Cubs were not done hitting home runs!</p>
<p id="Jfzfcr">One out later, <span>Willson Contreras</span> <a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/13/6adb1e6c-a67a98ca-d1f25ab6-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">brought the Cubs within one run [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
<div id="SS0ZAD"><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/2019/2019-09/13/6adb1e6c-a67a98ca-d1f25ab6-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="jXfyzD"></p>
<p id="QbNm6s">Holy moly, that ball was <em><strong>CRUSHED</strong></em>!</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pirates?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pirates</a> 4 @ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cubs</a> 3 [B1-1o]:<br><br>Willson Contreras homers (22): fly ball to CF (solo)<br><br>Hit: 460.32ft , 108.45mph, 26.98° <br><br>Pitch: 84.3mph Cutter (LHP Steven Brault, 12) <a href="https://t.co/a4kc0PzpE5">pic.twitter.com/a4kc0PzpE5</a></p>— Home Run Tracker (@DingerTracker) <a href="https://twitter.com/DingerTracker/status/1172610410215813120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2019</a>
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<p id="gZU9R0"><span>Kyle Schwarber</span> followed that with a double, and then... <a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/13/5fa7ab57-69ee5796-9f547734-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">welcome to Wrigley Field, Nico Hoerner! [VIDEO]</a></p>
<div id="IS8ONJ"><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/2019/2019-09/13/5fa7ab57-69ee5796-9f547734-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="CzO1SW"></p>
<p id="kwInqb">That one, it should be said, had a bit of help from the 20 mile per hour wind blowing out. (The others didn’t.) Still, a homer is a homer, and on the first pitch he saw at Wrigley. Nice work, and the Cubs had a 5-4 lead.</p>
<p id="AHLSxL">Lester settled down in the second, and in the third he allowed a two-out double to Pablo Reyes. Adam Frazier hit a ball to deep second base, and Reyes tried to score,<a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/13/247d3518-539cdf27-fc5aaf3f-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4"> and was thrown out by David Bote [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
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<p id="UPXI9S"></p>
<p id="RaZ5PO">The play was reviewed and ruled “call confirmed,” and then the Cubs’ bats got to work again in the bottom of the inning.</p>
<p id="ov8g9g"><a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/13/9b6920fc-317af924-9f70d2f6-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">Contreras, redux! [VIDEO]</a></p>
<div id="WdFs9S"><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/2019/2019-09/13/9b6920fc-317af924-9f70d2f6-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
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<p id="wfLdlT">It’s now 6-4 Cubs, and yes, you should keep track because a lot more is coming, The next two hitters were out, but then a walk, single and walk (to Lester!) <a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/13/255bed41-3b70bd50-65d96cb1-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">loaded the bases for Rizzo [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
<div id="nCqZTw"><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/2019/2019-09/13/255bed41-3b70bd50-65d96cb1-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
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<p id="JD3LXX">You could just feel the joy in Rizzo as he hugged Lester. I just loved that. (And Pedro Strop dancing by himself in the bullpen.)</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rizzo actually jumped up and hugged Lester after crossing the plate. Not uninspired.</p>— Paul Sullivan (@PWSullivan) <a href="https://twitter.com/PWSullivan/status/1172625251190149123?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2019</a>
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<p id="k5DLGa">Paul is absolutely right. That’s leadership shown by Rizzo. Love it. Also, Rizzo’s slam set a franchise record:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cubs</a> now have a franchise record 10 grand slams this season.<br><br>by position:<br>LF 2, C 2, 1B 2, SS 1, CF 1, 2B 1, 3B 1<br><br>by inning:<br>1st 1, 2nd 1, 3rd 2, 4th 2, 5th 1, 6th 1, 8th 2<br><br>by order in lineup<br>1st 1, 2nd 1, 4th 2, 5th 1, 6th 2, 7th 1, 8th 2</p>— Christopher Kamka (@ckamka) <a href="https://twitter.com/ckamka/status/1172634603061858304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Anthony Rizzo & Kyle Schwarber have two grand slams apiece this season.<br><br>It's the first time time multiple <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cubs</a> had multiple grand slams in the same season since 1959 - Ernie Banks & Earl Averill (the son of the Hall of Famer)</p>— Christopher Kamka (@ckamka) <a href="https://twitter.com/ckamka/status/1172642202477924352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2019</a>
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<p id="mobxA4">It’s 10-4 and the Cubs loaded the bases again on walks, but Schwarber struck out to end the inning.</p>
<p id="7JpBXs">The Cubs gave the Pirates three runs back in the fifth on a couple of hits and a truly awful throwing error by Contreras on a play that should have ended the inning, and at this point Joe is simply trying to get Lester through five innings for a “win,” which is dumb:</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chasing pitcher wins is so stupid. There's no way the bullpen is *this* drained.</p>— Matt Clapp (@TheBlogfines) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheBlogfines/status/1172638208472973318?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2019</a>
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<p id="sKEa1g">Totally agree with this. The individual pitcher win means nothing. Win the game and stop asking <span>Jon Lester</span> to go over 100 pitches when he was clearly getting gassed. All three runs were unearned due to Contreras’ error, but still.</p>
<p id="jqXP3J">And then the Cubs simply blew the game open in the fifth, and all after a ground ball that was originally called the third out <a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/13/45f3a3c2-a812cfe3-05fbbc8c-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">was overturned on review [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
<div id="wEWeMm"><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/2019/2019-09/13/45f3a3c2-a812cfe3-05fbbc8c-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="85DjTK"></p>
<p id="PwgIBP">The next eight Cubs all reached base. Contreras singled and Schwarber was hit by a pitch, loading the bases.</p>
<p id="2cUQ18"><a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/13/774c2e3c-3fb50082-7fd02061-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">Come on down, Nico! [VIDEO]</a></p>
<div id="yRVrOK"><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/2019/2019-09/13/774c2e3c-3fb50082-7fd02061-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="VOa1xM"></p>
<p id="FY6g65">Hoerner’s two-run single made it 12-7 and gave Nico a special place in Cubs and MLB history:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nico Hoerner is the first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cubs</a> player with 8 RBI in his first 5 career MLB games since Andy Pafko in 1943</p>— Christopher Kamka (@ckamka) <a href="https://twitter.com/ckamka/status/1172643020044324866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2019</a>
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<p id="4MI22C">Pretty good company there. Also:</p>
<div id="oLt8iu">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nico Hoerner is just the 7th player with multiple 4-RBI games within his 1st 5 career games (since RBI became official in 1920).<br><br>He joins:<br>Trevor Story<br>Yasiel Puig<br>Will Middlebrooks<br>Dave Kingman<br>Joe Cunnigham<br>Francisco Arcia</p>— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1172644463602262018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2019</a>
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<p id="8Q6psF">Interesting group of players, for sure.</p>
<p id="4ik8Qf">Another walk re-loaded the bases and <a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/13/84a8c1a3-4d85a4c6-d5af830b-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">Jason Heyward batted for Almora [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
<div id="sNKyx8"><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/2019/2019-09/13/84a8c1a3-4d85a4c6-d5af830b-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
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<p id="fuglzO">Heyward’s well-struck two-run double made it 15-7. <span>Ian Happ</span> had been on deck to bat for Lester, but with that hit, Joe sent up <span>Tony Kemp</span> instead. <a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/13/71160411-2e5f1533-954513fd-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">The hit parade continued [VIDEO].</a></p>
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<p id="06BPAS">Kemp’s RBI single made it 16-7 and after Rizzo songled for his third hit of the game, Castellanos put the Cubs <a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/13/cdd2aa76-65512816-a32bcfa7-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">a touchdown and a field goal ahead [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
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<p id="gng5kw">The Cubs put up a seven-run inning — all after two out and no one on base, AND after the third out had to be overturned on review, all tremendously impressive.</p>
<p id="NCaVwE">More on all the run-scoring:</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Today is the first time the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cubs</a> had three 5+ run innings in the same game since April 30, 2008 in a 19-5 win vs Brewers at Wrigley Field. They had 6 in the 1st, 5 in the 4th & 6 in the 8th.</p>— Christopher Kamka (@ckamka) <a href="https://twitter.com/ckamka/status/1172646743420178432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is the first time the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cubs</a> had 17 runs through the first 5 innings of a game since they had 17 runs through 4 innings on August 14, 2009 at Wrigley against the Pirates. They won 17-2</p>— Christopher Kamka (@ckamka) <a href="https://twitter.com/ckamka/status/1172647536235966464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Cubs are the first team this season to score 5+ runs in 3 different innings within a game; it's only the 4th such instance in MLB over the last 10 seasons</p>— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNChiCubs/status/1172647587817504768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2019</a>
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<p id="S4qdHX">With all that happening through five innings — which took well over two hours — the Cubs had a shot at scoring 20 runs for the first time since 2001. But the offense, perhaps tired out from all the running around the bases, was quiet the rest of the game. All the starters save Hoerner and Bote were removed and given part of the day off.</p>
<p id="IXJklX">Meanwhile, <span>Brad Wieck</span> struck out the side in the sixth, an impressive outing, and <span>Alec Mills</span> threw the final three innings, allowing just one run and posting his first big-league save.</p>
<p id="WnS0y7">These kinds of games are great fun, despite lasting almost four hours, and especially when your team wins. The top of the first was horrific, and almost gave the impression that the Cubs simply didn’t have it this game, or this year. And yet, they came back and absolutely demolished the Pirates. Rizzo’s hug symbolized the comeback and hopefully, the energy they have for the rest of the homestand and season.</p>
<p id="eNePVf">Thought you would like to see my scorecard for this game (<a href="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19198581/0913219scorecard.jpg">link to larger image</a>):</p>
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<p id="rLVQlZ">The <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a> and <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">Cardinals</a> are playing in St. Louis at the time of this recap posting, scoreless early on. If the Brewers win, the Cubs and Brewers will remain tied, and both will gain a game on St. Louis.</p>
<p id="SGTzmu">As usual, Joe Maddon has the perfect summary of this game:</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pregame, Maddon said of his players: "Before you walk out there, set your hair on fire and see what happens."<br><br>Cubs then went out and scored 17 runs on 16 hits.<br><br>Maddon postgame: "You know how bad hair smells when it's on fire? That dugout stunk today, man. It was great."</p>— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBastian/status/1172676190995456001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2019</a>
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<p id="CkF7qX">The Cubs will try to keep this high-scoring energy going Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field. <span>Kyle Hendricks</span> will start for the Cubs and <span>James Marvel</span> (yes, really!) will go for the Pirates. Game time is 1:20 p.m. CT and TV coverage will be via NBC Sports Chicago (and again on MLB Network outside the Cubs and Pirates market territories).</p>
<p id="Vylp1t">It feels like this team is once again energized. Here’s hoping this is the beginning of a long winning streak.</p>
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https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/9/13/20865229/cubs-pirates-recap-anthony-rizzo-nico-hoerner-mlb-scoresAl Yellon2019-09-13T17:05:00-05:002019-09-13T17:05:00-05:00Overflow thread 2: Cubs vs. Pirates, Friday 9/13, 3:05 CT
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<figcaption>Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="9t7iQv">——</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/9/13/20859477/overflow-thread-2-cubs-vs-pirates-friday-9-13-3-05-ctAl Yellon2019-09-13T16:05:00-05:002019-09-13T16:05:00-05:00Overflow thread 1: Cubs vs. Pirates, Friday 9/13, 3:05 CT
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<figcaption>Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="9t7iQv">——</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/9/13/20859475/overflow-thread-1-cubs-vs-pirates-friday-9-13-3-05-ctAl Yellon2019-09-13T15:00:00-05:002019-09-13T15:00:00-05:00First pitch thread: Cubs vs. Pirates, Friday 9/13, 3:05 CT
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<figcaption>Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="9t7iQv">Go get ‘em, Jon.</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/9/13/20859469/first-pitch-thread-cubs-vs-pirates-friday-9-13-3-05-ctAl Yellon2019-09-13T13:00:00-05:002019-09-13T13:00:00-05:00Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates preview, Friday 9/13, 3:05 CT
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<figcaption>Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Cubs open a crucial 10-game homestand Friday afternoon.</p> <p id="Wnwcd1">Rather than the usual notes today, I thought I’d take a look at where the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> stood with 16 games to go in the season over the last few years.</p>
<p id="gWuIdA"><strong>2015:</strong> 85-61, seven games out of first place but comfortably in the lead for the second wild card by eight games.</p>
<p id="guKbme"><strong>2016:</strong> 93-53. They lost to the <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a> that night, but clinched the N.L. Central later that evening when the <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">Cardinals</a> lost to the <a href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/">Giants</a> in San Francisco.</p>
<p id="vBIn9g"><strong>2017:</strong> 80-66. They were in the middle of a seven-game winning streak. They led the N.L. Central by three games with a magic number of 14.</p>
<p id="QOmabu"><strong>2018:</strong> 85-61. They defeated the <a href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/">Nationals</a> in Game 146, that game they had to fly to D.C. for one day for a makeup game, and led the N.L. Central by 1½ games, with a magic number of 15.</p>
<p id="CWNGIR">So this year is... different. At 78-68, the Cubs have their worst record after 146 games since they returned to contention in 2015. It’s the first time since 2015 that they haven’t been in first place after 146 games, and this year they’re vying for two different playoff spots, or possibly three, if they don’t win the division but somehow catch the Nats (currently 3½ games behind) for the top wild-card spot (Washington has the tiebreaker).</p>
<p id="zz8Ybk">It’s a different feel, to be sure. And yet, with 10 home games remaining (where the Cubs have played extremely well this year) and seven games left with the team they’re chasing for first place, this season can still work out like the last three, with a division title and a date in a NLDS. This time, it would likely be with the <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a>, whose magic number for clinching their division and the No. 2 seed in the N.L. playoffs is eight. (The Braves still have an outside shot at catching the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> for the top seed. They’re four games behind with 16 to play, but would have to finish ahead of L.A., as the Dodgers have the tiebreaker.)</p>
<p id="kqYjfL">Fasten your seat belts, we have a tense two and a half weeks ahead.</p>
<p id="OVZusJ">Here are today’s particulars.</p>
<p id="HAZTFQ"><a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> lineup:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here is today's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cubs</a> starting lineup. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EverybodyIn?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EverybodyIn</a><br><br>Stream on <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSChicago?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBCSChicago</a>: <a href="https://t.co/rGCuW1XI7C">https://t.co/rGCuW1XI7C</a> <a href="https://t.co/ySdqdH1GnI">pic.twitter.com/ySdqdH1GnI</a></p>— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1172547182475534337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2019</a>
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<p id="6ZfO7W"><a href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pirates</a> lineup:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our afternoon lineup, presented by <a href="https://twitter.com/Honda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Honda</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsGoBucs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetsGoBucs</a> <a href="https://t.co/inEpIAusVA">pic.twitter.com/inEpIAusVA</a></p>— Pirates (@Pirates) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pirates/status/1172539846117810176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2019</a>
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<h2 id="V5jSYv">
<span>Jon Lester</span>, LHP vs. <span>Steven Brault</span>, LHP</h2>
<div class="c-float-left"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rpNupIcFBF73TEeOW1qbYoeamU4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/18288691/usa_today_12381337.jpg">
<cite>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<cite>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<p id="5DIavy">Jon Lester is an enigma right now. He’s had some really good starts lately (particularly the one against the <a href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Mariners</a> September 3 at Wrigley Field), but also some clunkers, and his season ERA at this point is the second-worst of his career.</p>
<p id="Ukz79P">However, he’s been really good against the Pirates this year: 1.84 ERA in three starts, just three earned runs in 14⅔ innings.</p>
<p id="2UQcZH">I don’t have much more to go on for hoping Jon does well this afternoon, other than the fact that he usually steps up in big-game situations. Hopefully that happens again this afternoon.</p>
<p id="uBcgqK">Steven Brault threw seven innings against the Cubs <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PIT/PIT201908170.shtml">August 17 at PNC Park</a> and allowed just one run, one of his best starts of the year.</p>
<p id="bt6RbT">The good news is that the Cubs won that game 2-0, in part because his opponent that day was Jon Lester, and Jon kept pitching himself out of trouble.</p>
<p id="bAEakM">Since that game Brault has been pretty mediocre: four starts, 4.37 ERA, 1.368 WHIP. Let’s hope that trend continues.</p>
<p id="WQ3kcc">Today’s game is on NBC Sports Chicago. If you have “cut the cord,” NBC Sports Chicago games can be streamed in the Cubs’ market territory via Fubo. <a href="https://fave.co/2Fxe8eQ" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sign up for Fubo here</a>.</p>
<p id="9l8ZIe">It’s also on MLB Network (outside the Cubs and Pirates market territories).</p>
<p id="YtCo6M">This game is also being carried by streaming service ESPN+ — <a href="http://espn.zlbu.net/c/482924/578578/9070?sharedid=BleedCubbieBlue">sign up for ESPN+ here</a>. ESPN+ games are blacked out in the participating teams’ home markets. </p>
<p id="cxuSIp"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/2019/09/13">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_09_13_pitmlb_chnmlb_1">MLB.com Gameday</a></p>
<p id="iDRiK8"><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/previews/2019/CHN201909130.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.bucsdugout.com/">Pirates</a> site <a href="http://www.bucsdugout.com/">Bucs Dugout</a>. If you do go there to interact with Pirates 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>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/9/13/20857712/chicago-cubs-pittsburgh-pirates-preview-fridayAl Yellon