Bleed Cubbie Blue - Cubs vs. Indians Wednesday 9/16 game threadsA Chicago Cubs Fan Community Since February 9, 2005https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47557/cubbieblue.png2020-09-17T10:00:00-05:00http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/rss/stream/212037872020-09-17T10:00:00-05:002020-09-17T10:00:00-05:002020 Cubs Heroes and Goats: Game 50
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9qzIAQSgHaILjoXYh_jUmf3Pe8c=/340x437:4215x3020/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67423086/usa_today_14940260.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Cubs win their fourth straight, 3-2 in 10</p> <p id="rg6oEN">One of the fun things about sports is that we never know completely how to interpret things happen. Is your team hot? Are they playing bad teams? Did you just catch a few lucky bounces in a row? I don’t know if the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> have played better per se over the last 10 days, or if their opponents have played badly, or if this is basically just a bit of good fortune. Certainly, catching the <a href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Indians</a> in the middle of a horrible tailspin was good fortune. The <a href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Reds</a> and <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a> aren’t exactly lighting the world on fire either. </p>
<p id="PRwe27">Whatever the reason, the Cubs have won seven of nine games starting from Monday of last week. That was the game I felt they needed to win against the <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">Cardinals</a>. That’s another unknowable. Certainly, if you could guarantee that the rest of these games played out exactly the same as they did, then that win actually doesn’t mean a whole lot in the scheme of things. Of course, if having the Cardinals just a half game behind the Cubs and having lost four of five would have caused the Cubs to play differently... </p>
<p id="vQFXvd">You can play “what if” games forever. It’s fun to recognize them, but I stopped that thought precisely because we can’t know and it doesn’t matter. The Cubs did win that game and appear to have gotten hot at exactly the right moment. Just like that, they are back to a season high 10 games over .500. Sure, it is frustrating that they reached that point just 16 games into the season and then took 34 games to get back there. </p>
<p id="sus164">But it doesn’t really matter. The Cubs now own the second-best record among division leaders. If the playoffs started today, they’d have the second seed. One would think that would be an advantage, but one can’t be sure. It might actually be better to get the third spot and face the second place team from the Central. Don’t look now, but with the Brewers and Cardinals beating up on each other in the first of two five game, two doubleheader sets between them, the Reds have emerged as a possibility for that second spot. </p>
<p id="9xfewm">In an experiment that I absolutely do not want to test out. With last night’s win, the Cubs probably don’t have to win another game to reach the playoffs. The math doesn’t say that yet, but I’m going to confidently say that each and every one of those teams behind them is going to lose games. Probably several of them. The Cubs are playoff-bound, but there is still work to be done. There is a division to be won. It will be, but it would certainly be nice not to rely on Cardinals losses, but to keep winning and be riding high when the playoffs start. </p>
<p id="vPHixW">And 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) 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. With that, let’s get to the results.</p>
<p id="WC69wq"><strong>Game 50, September 16: </strong>Cubs 3, Indians 2 (30-20)</p>
<div id="vQR2tH">
<iframe src="https://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=0&type=wins&num=0&h=450&w=450&date=2020-09-16&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=2020-09-16&team=Cubs&dh=0&season=2020">FanGraphs</a></span>
</div>
<p id="CsnwBw"><strong>THREE HEROES:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="LvCZsK">
<strong>Superhero: </strong><span>Javier Baez</span> (.270). Javy had two hits and two strikeouts in five at bats. He scored a run. And oh yeah, he delivered the walk-off single in the tenth. I don’t find it even a little surprising that starting last Monday, Javy has a line of .303/.324/.485 (wRC+ 114) and the Cubs got hot. He’s capable of much more than that obviously, but it’s a giant leap in the right direction. Amazingly, this is his first Superhero of the season.</li>
<li id="Ab5MOO">
<strong>Hero: </strong><span>Cameron Maybin</span> (.239). Two hits and an RBI in three plate appearances. He’s been a really nice pickup for the Cubs. </li>
<li id="5AsrHt">
<strong>Sidekick: </strong><span>Jeremy Jeffress</span>/<span>Jason Adam</span> (.142). Each threw a scoreless inning in a tied game. For WPA purposes, in a tie game, the ninth and each subsequent inning are identical from a WPA standpoint. Each of the two relievers allowed one base runner. Jeffress via a hit and Adam via a walk. </li>
</ul>
<p id="2dCfHh"><strong>THREE GOATS:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="jaZ3Uy">
<strong>Billy Goat: </strong><span>Kyle Schwarber</span> (-.255). Kyle did have one walk in five plate appearances and scored a run. He’s in quite a slump himself. </li>
<li id="BAGeQO">
<strong>Goat: </strong><span>Willson Contreras</span> (-.216). Willy was hitless in four at bats. </li>
<li id="YhUiK1">
<strong>Kid: </strong><span>Ian Happ</span> (-.161). Ian has tailed off a fair bit since he was hit in the eye by a foul ball. I hope it’s coincidental and that nothing is wrong with him. His bat really helped drive this offense for a long stretch this year. He had one hit in five at bats and scored a run. </li>
</ul>
<p id="5zEfUW"><strong>WPA Play of the Game: </strong>Javier Baez batted with the bases loaded and two outs in the 10th. It looked like the Cubs might squander yet another golden opportunity. But he came through with a single to win the game. (.339)</p>
<p id="5tXl22">*Indians Play of the Game: I do not like the way WPA treats extra innings with the modified rules. The leadoff walk issued by Jason Adam in the 10th inning to <span>Josh Naylor</span> gets (.198) because it put runners at first and second with no outs. In an ordinary year, if Adam allowed a leadoff double, then walked Naylor, the walk would not be worth as much. The WPA would be split over two events. If WPA were a “sainted” stat, like for instance ERA, it wouldn’t have a result like this. It would have two separate entries, one for placing the runner at second and then one for the first batter of the inning. What have now is the first batter of the extra inning being credited for both the runner at second and their play result. In this instance, Naylor had what looks like a “super walk.” </p>
<div id="yCdD38"><div data-anthem-component="poll:9435411"></div></div>
<p id="jhjNtz"><strong>Heroes and Goats Cumulative Standings: </strong>(Top 3/Bottom 3)</p>
<ul>
<li id="xO8hk8">
<span>Yu Darvish</span> 16</li>
<li id="suQAtX">Ian Happ 14.5</li>
<li id="yRKXKA">
<span>Kyle Hendricks</span> 12</li>
<li id="orBjkh">Javier Baez/<span>Kris Bryant</span> -10</li>
<li id="oPRnYC">Willson Contreras -10.5</li>
<li id="u1CT0v">
<span>Anthony Rizzo</span> -12.5</li>
</ul>
<p id="3ApIC5">Assuming things stay as they are, I’ll expand the top three to a top five for the last week of the season. Due to the shortened season, we have a situation where there are five players within one theoretical game of the top spot and five within one theoretical game of the bottom spot. The potential one game swing between two players is 6 points if one is the Superhero (+3) and the other the Billy Goat (-3). This could absolutely go down to the last game for both the top and bottom spots. </p>
<p id="IQClPR"><strong>Up Next: </strong>The Cubs next play on Friday. They’ll host the <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Twins</a>. <span>Kyle Hendricks</span> will start the opener for the Cubs. Old pal <span>Rich Hill</span> will start for the Twins. Rich didn’t magically start throwing right handed in his “old” age. So this will be another test for the Cubs against a lefty. Hopefully Hendricks will be his usually unbeatable self at home and the Cubs can keep it rolling. </p>
<p id="gdI5iP"><strong>Scoreboard Watching: </strong>The Cardinals move on to Pittsburgh to face the <a href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pirates</a> over the weekend. This is a weekend where they will need to pile up some wins. They have five games in four days there. They have to be hoping they can get at least four wins there to keep some chance at the NL Central crown alive. </p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2020/9/17/21441278/2020-cubs-heroes-and-goats-game-50Thomas Smith2020-09-17T08:00:00-05:002020-09-17T08:00:00-05:00Cubs 3, Indians 2: Javier Baez walks it off
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3b8QBYez1WSh0B-cQ4qajeF3YZA=/0x440:3836x2997/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67422105/1272911708.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>... and the Cubs sweep the Indians and record their fourth straight win.</p> <p id="cjYB5V">Despite the fact that the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> swept the two-game series from the <a href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Indians</a> (and also the four-game season series), I think I’m glad they won’t face the Tribe again.</p>
<p id="IM5SGv">Weird things happened in this series, from baserunning gaffes to multiple hit-by-pitches to a drone delay... yes, if you missed the game, it was delayed by a drone briefly flying over Wrigley Field. More on that later.</p>
<p id="HLQXas">Nevertheless, the Cubs escaped with <a href="http://www.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2020_09_16_clemlb_chnmlb_1">a 3-2, 10-inning win</a>, their fourth victory in a row, thanks to <span>Javier Baez</span>’ walkoff single. Maybe, just maybe, Javy’s finally getting untracked. His last nine games: .303/.324/.424 (10-for-33) with a double, a triple and a home run, as well as some stellar defense and some patented Javy baserunning. The Cubs could definitely use that lift.</p>
<p id="NOhwfk">The Indians took the early lead on Jon Lester. Jon was a bit shaky in the first inning, allowing a walk, a sac bunt and a single that put runners on first and third. He wild-pitched in a run.</p>
<p id="45e2Kv">But the Cubs didn’t wait too long to tie the game. In the second, <span>Kyle Schwarber</span> led off with a walk and Baez singled him to third and... oh, no, Javy, please don’t try to take second base... he was thrown out.</p>
<p id="yPJHcl"><span>Jason Heyward</span> blooped a single to center <a href="https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2020/2020-09/16/270c7b3f-dba342b8-c4840b02-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">to make it a 1-1 game [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
<div id="dHQnje"><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://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2020/2020-09/16/270c7b3f-dba342b8-c4840b02-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="dbND42"></p>
<p id="pAHJsE">Lester settled down after the first inning, helped out in part by <a href="https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2020/2020-09/16/a3f9ac9b-9843c27c-150f52a8-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">this great catch by Cameron Maybin [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
<div id="YeB0s0"><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://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2020/2020-09/16/a3f9ac9b-9843c27c-150f52a8-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="pkouns"></p>
<p id="65oLNZ"><a href="https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2020/2020-09/16/de1b9368-a113d849-8107fde2-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">And this slick double play to end the fourth turned by Javy [VIDEO].</a></p>
<div id="O4hPAD"><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://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2020/2020-09/16/de1b9368-a113d849-8107fde2-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="FCrdGo"></p>
<p id="OCqo7y">The Cubs took the lead in the bottom of the fourth. <span>Willson Contreras</span> was hit again. He leads the major leagues with 11 HBP. Javy then grounded into a force play, but the relay throw was wild and Baez wound up on third. After a walk to <span>Jason Heyward</span>, <a href="https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2020/2020-09/16/0ce8eade-37eef651-7d4e4bb3-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">Maybin made it 2-1 Cubs [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
<div id="Oc3v2j"><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://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2020/2020-09/16/0ce8eade-37eef651-7d4e4bb3-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="g0PKlY"></p>
<p id="qdpTL8">Maybin was given a hit on that play, but Heyward’s hustle beating the throw to second was the key. <span>Maybin</span>’s been a real good under-the-radar pickup for the Cubs, playing solid defense, running the bases well and hitting .300/.323/.433 (9-for-30) as a Cub with two doubles, a triple, a stolen base, and of course the walkoff HBP Tuesday.</p>
<p id="yPeM76">Lester served up a home-run ball to <span>Oscar Mercado</span> in the fifth that tied the game 2-2. Overall Lester’s night was a good one, though he was lifted after five innings and just 62 pitches. He was reflective after the game:</p>
<div id="k1rbYO">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jon Lester admitted that this was an emotional night for him. He thought about fact that it might’ve been his final start at Wrigley. Said it was hard not to have fans there.<br><br>“I didn’t think six years would go this fast.”</p>— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBastian/status/1306444290583822336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2020</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="PCLZmH">Six years. Wow. It doesn’t seem that long, does it? Lester could possibly have one more Wrigley start this year, in the wild-card series.</p>
<p id="ybf90a"><a href="https://apnews.com/1126c1238ac4ebb536ec8b593d567f3a">Something else happened in the fifth inning at Wrigley:</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p id="qv8CPL">Umpires hastily cleared the field during a game between the Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night when a small drone flew into Wrigley Field over the bleachers and landed on the grass in deep left center.</p>
<p id="bohaum">As Willson Contreras came to bat with two outs in the bottom of the fifth and the game tied at 2, the device was spotted over the left-center stands. Before the drone landed, umpires rushed players into the dugouts.</p>
<p id="5out1w">The blinking drone took off, hovered at about 100 feet, then pulled away and vanished past the vintage center-field scoreboard.</p>
</blockquote>
<div id="KSTSKp">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">2020: a drone delay at Wrigley Field <a href="https://t.co/2kSzrOlilG">pic.twitter.com/2kSzrOlilG</a></p>— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) <a href="https://twitter.com/AldoSoto21/status/1306410273608069120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2020</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="BOLEWD">Seriously — don’t do this. <a href="https://www.chicagomag.com/city-life/October-2015/Drones-Over-Wrigley/">It’s not only dangerous, it’s illegal:</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p id="UXDVHY">According to the Federal Aviation Administration’s <a href="http://www.modelaircraft.org/files/100820TFRAuthority.pdf">guide to temporary flight restrictions</a>, last updated in 2010, it is illegal to fly a drone near a stadium before, during, or immediately after a game. Sorry, aerial videographers.</p>
<p id="inVmov">The rules state that stadiums with capacities of more than 30,000 become no-fly zones for unmanned aircraft starting an hour before games. The no-fly zones extend three nautical miles (about 3.5 miles) from the stadium center and 3,000 feet above ground level. (Most drones never break 400 feet.) The restrictions last until one hour after the game ends.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="866h78">The game was delayed about seven minutes before the drone left the area. Contreras completed his at-bat (and the inning) by grounding out, but not before finding some humor in the drone delay:</p>
<div id="JTiHxs">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Don't fly on Willson.<br><br>Drone delay at Wrigley Field. <a href="https://t.co/KizxPnD9ZO">pic.twitter.com/KizxPnD9ZO</a></p>— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBastian/status/1306410423688859650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2020</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="eGvwQ9">No one else scored through the regulation nine innings, though both teams had chances. <span>Ryan Tepera</span> picked <span>Delino DeShields Jr.</span> off first base after walking him; the Cubs put a runner in scoring position in the seventh on a <span>Nico Hoerner</span> double, and couldn’t score after loading the bases with two out.</p>
<p id="O6HJlW">The Cubs thus came to bat in the bottom of the ninth with a chance to walk it off, but went out 1-2-3 and so the game went to placed-runner extras. <span>Jason Adam</span> walked the first Indians hitter he faced in the 10th, so now it’s runners on first and second with nobody out. But Adam recovered, getting a force at third on a bunt attempt (props to <span>Kris Bryant</span> for snagging Adam’s not-so-great throw), a fly to center and then striking out <span>Francisco Lindor</span> to end the inning.</p>
<p id="hsmczu">In the bottom of the 10th, <span>Ian Happ</span> was the placed runner. KB singled him to third and after Indians reliever <span>Phil Maton</span> ran a 2-0 count on <span>Anthony Rizzo</span>, they gave him a Manfred. Bases loaded, nobody out! What could possibly...</p>
<p id="33dHs3">Lots, of course. Contreras and Schwarber struck out.</p>
<p id="rrqAnP"><a href="https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2020/2020-09/16/72f746dd-7a6258b8-6a26b12c-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">Up stepped Javy! [VIDEO]</a></p>
<div id="xRZZ0N"><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://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2020/2020-09/16/72f746dd-7a6258b8-6a26b12c-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="Nzpl2J"></p>
<p id="jw6HWv">That was a real nice piece of hitting, on an 0-2 pitch right at the outside edge of the zone. It was the Cubs’ second straight walkoff win, and the third in the last four games in which they scored the winning run in the ninth inning or later. Props, too, to the Cubs bullpen: They threw five shutout innings, allowing one hit and three walks with seven strikeouts.</p>
<p id="pTJtHk">The <a href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Reds</a> completed a four-game sweep of the <a href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pirates</a> (hopefully the Cubs do the same next week!) and in so doing moved into second place by percentage points over the <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">Cardinals</a>, who split a doubleheader in Milwaukee. The Reds and Cardinals are virtually tied for second, 5½ games behind, and the <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a> trail by 6½. The Cubs, at present, are the only NL Central team with a winning record. Your magic number update:</p>
<div id="PDjpBi">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="no" dir="ltr">DIV1: 8<br>DIV2: 5<br>WC: 5<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhereStoriesPlay?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhereStoriesPlay</a></p>— Cubs Magic Number (@CubsMagicNumbr) <a href="https://twitter.com/CubsMagicNumbr/status/1306436871619325952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2020</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="HM7wBH">The Cubs also maintained the No. 2 overall seed in the NL playoffs. They’re 30-20 and the <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a>, the current No. 3 seed, are 29-21.</p>
<p id="fYXo2I">The Reds and Brewers have Thursday off; the Cardinals will travel to Pittsburgh for a five-game series vs. the Pirates, which includes a doubleheader Friday.</p>
<p id="N98wgu">The Cubs also will enjoy an off day Thursday, their final regular-season off day of 2020, before beginning a three-game set with the <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Twins</a> at Wrigley Friday evening. The Twins are spending the entire week in Chicago, wrapping up a four-game set at the <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a> Thursday afternoon.</p>
<p id="B1KJLS">Friday’s probable starters are <span>Kyle Hendricks</span> for the Cubs and our old buddy <span>Rich Hill</span> for the Twins. Game time Friday is 7:15 p.m. CT and TV coverage will again be via Marquee Sports Network.</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2020/9/17/21441183/cubs-indians-recap-javier-baez-jon-lester-mlb-scoresAl Yellon2020-09-16T21:15:00-05:002020-09-16T21:15:00-05:00Overflow thread 2: Cubs vs. Indians, Wednesday 9/16, 7:15 CT
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Nm3SRa7KcvPAs7u5Nc8fCj6SwfQ=/70x180:3291x2327/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67420585/1272708613.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="flObvp">——</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2020/9/16/21439762/overflow-thread-2-cubs-vs-indians-wednesday-9-16-7-15-ctAl Yellon2020-09-16T20:15:00-05:002020-09-16T20:15:00-05:00Overflow thread 1: Cubs vs. Indians, Wednesday 9/16, 7:15 CT
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sAz1gMpEmBJvigCXN0C9k8TmLco=/501x236:3426x2186/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67420374/1272708604.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="flObvp">——</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2020/9/16/21439768/overflow-thread-1-cubs-vs-indians-wednesday-9-16-7-15-ctAl Yellon2020-09-16T19:10:00-05:002020-09-16T19:10:00-05:00First pitch thread: Cubs vs. Indians, Wednesday 9/16, 7:15 CT
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/13QfEzTmyNRR-1bu0jDSWpLk694=/192x181:2681x1840/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67420004/1272132826.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="flObvp">Go get ‘em, Jon.</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2020/9/16/21439750/first-pitch-thread-cubs-vs-indians-wednesday-9-16-7-15-ctAl Yellon2020-09-16T17:00:00-05:002020-09-16T17:00:00-05:00Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Indians preview, Wednesday 9/16, 7:15 CT
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wdw6S8f8P4ggda8VrJR4FWAuhw0=/244x236:3067x2118/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67419166/1272719929.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Cubs go for their fourth consecutive win.</p> <p id="BeaV5l">Wednesday notes:</p>
<ul>
<li id="x7jhXP">
<strong>GOOD FOR YU:</strong> In last night’s third inning, the <a href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Indians</a> scored two runs both originally ruled as earned. The official scorer has changed this to one run earned, one unearned which adjusts <span>Yu Darvish</span>’s season ERA to 1.86. It had originally been reported as 2.00 after the game.</li>
<li id="Tb8voC">
<strong>SURGING AHEAD:</strong> The <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> have a five-game lead over the <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">Cardinals</a> in the NL Central Division, the second-largest lead in any division. The <a href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Athletics</a> have the only larger current lead, 5½ games over the <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> in the NL West.</li>
<li id="fDXBq5">
<strong>QUITE THE CAREER:</strong> <span>Jon Lester</span>’s 192 career wins are most among active left-handed pitchers, ahead of <span>Clayton Kershaw</span>’s 174 victories. Lester’s 2,392 strikeouts are third among active lefties, trailing only <span>Cole Hamels</span> (2,558) and Kershaw (2,517). More on Lester below.</li>
<li id="0xN8WJ">
<strong>THE BATS COME ALIVE:</strong> Starting with Saturday’s ninth inning in Milwaukee, the Cubs have hit .325 (25-for-77) with 22 runs in their last 18 innings at the plate, including seven hits in 16 at-bats (.438) with runners in scoring position. </li>
<li id="hWFuFj">
<strong>PLOINK:</strong> The Cubs last night were hit by a pitch four times, including consecutive batters to end the game in a walk-off win, the first time that’s happened at Wrigley Field since <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN194807181.shtml">the first game of a doubleheader July 18, 1948</a> vs. the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> when Robin Roberts hit Phil Cavarretta to load the bases, then hit Andy Pafko to force home the winning run in a 3-2 victory. (H/T: Ed Hartig)</li>
</ul>
<p id="vItN2e">Here are today’s particulars.</p>
<p id="T5Sg5W"><a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> lineup:</p>
<div id="ER8hkK">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here is tonight's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cubs</a> starting lineup! <a href="https://t.co/YuemzAW8IS">pic.twitter.com/YuemzAW8IS</a></p>— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1306323618616487938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2020</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="e4rFFk"><a href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Indians</a> lineup:</p>
<div id="GgR9hc">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tonight’s Indians Lineup: <br><br>SS Francisco Lindor<br>CF Delino DeShields<br>3B Jose Ramirez<br>1B Carlos Santana<br>DH Franmil Reyes<br>RF Jordan Luplow<br>LF Oscar Mercado<br>C Austin Hedges<br>2B Yu Chang</p>— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) <a href="https://twitter.com/John_Fanta/status/1306334880184315904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2020</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<h2 id="9VLSQK">
<span>Jon Lester</span>, LHP vs. <span>Aaron Civale</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/J7b9EztVIkW4eA9_2uRobtfH0tU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/20534331/usa_today_14509009.jpg">
<cite>Rick Scuteri-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/Jl9Rp7zq39bapXXIDi5HEubOR90=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/21879530/usa_today_14509931.jpg">
<cite>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
</figure>
</div>
<p id="7sQ1M9">Jon Lester had five starts in a row where he had been pretty bad, but righted his ship with six shutout innings against the <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a> <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/MIL/MIL202009110.shtml">last Friday in Milwaukee</a>.</p>
<p id="J4mkZ4">He also had a strong outing against the Indians <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CLE/CLE202008110.shtml">August 11 in Cleveland</a> — six innings, three hits, one run, four strikeouts. </p>
<p id="swrDbA">So that should be good enough for another good start for Jon tonight, right?</p>
<p id="sZnIWx">Well, you know baseball doesn’t work that way. Still, Lester has throughout his career saved some of his best efforts for pennant races and the postseason. I think he’s got one more year’s worth of those left.</p>
<p id="dW64d4">Aaron Civale has had a pretty good year overall for the Tribe, though over his last four starts: 5.25 ERA, 1.417 WHIP, four home runs allowed in 24 innings. </p>
<p id="yUqF65">Civale has never faced the Cubs. The only Cub who’s ever faced him is Cameron Maybin (1-for-5). <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/players/aaron-civale/19479/stats#pitch-type">Per Fangraphs</a> Civale relies mostly on fastballs and cutters and has an average FB velocity of 91.8 miles per hour this year, down slightly from 92.6 last year.</p>
<p id="H4xEJ4"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/2020/09/15">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=2020_09_15_clemlb_chnmlb_1">MLB.com Gameday</a></p>
<p id="iDRiK8"><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/previews/2020/CHN202009150.shtml">Baseball-reference.com game preview</a></p>
<p id="HX229Z">Please visit our SB Nation <a href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Indians</a> site <a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/">Let’s Go Tribe</a>. If you do go there to interact with Indians 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="mRtOMf">The 2020 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, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of Week/Date) game threads.” It will contain every thread related to that particular game, including the First Pitch Thread and all the overflow threads, as well as the recap when it’s published. The recap will also live on the front page as a separate post. </p>
<p id="F5ehVY">You will also be able to find the preview, First Pitch Thread and all the overflow threads 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>). The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.</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="VWYWOQ"></p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2020/9/16/21436054/chicago-cubs-cleveland-indians-preview-wednesdayAl Yellon