Bleed Cubbie Blue - Cubs vs. Pirates Thursday 5/27 game threadsA Chicago Cubs Fan Community Since February 9, 2005https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47557/cubbieblue.png2021-05-28T08:00:00-05:00http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/rss/stream/222204612021-05-28T08:00:00-05:002021-05-28T08:00:00-05:002021 Cubs Heroes and Goats: Game 49
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<figcaption>Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Cubs finish off a sweep of Pittsburgh with a 5-3 victory</p> <p id="r99WPF">I’m going to start today’s edition with a special personal update. I write this in the wee hours of the morning on Friday after a long, long day finalizing packing. This weekend, we load up the moving van and head for the Tampa area, after just shy of 47 years in Illinois, all but three of them spent in the Chicago area (while I was away at school in Champaign). I am leaving behind a lot of good memories, but I am very, very ready to start a new chapter. From your perspective as the reader, this serves as a heads up that one or more of the next several Heroes and Goats pieces could be truncated and/or late. I’m going to do my best to stay on schedule as time permits. I just can’t yet know what time will permit. In the long term, there should be no change though. I’ll continue to write from Florida and when free time allows, I’ll discover the joy that is trying to follow the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> from out of market. </p>
<p id="Doptfe">But enough about me. The Cubs are right in the middle of one of their best stretches of the season. They finished a three game sweep of the Pirates on Thursday. The 5-3 win was their fourth straight. They are now 16-7 in May with all seven losses coming by one run. The Cardinals won their second straight after a rough patch, so they continue to hold the Cubs off, but only by a half a game. It’s early, but this month has very squarely put the Cubs into contention in the Central. In fact, only the Cardinals and the three contenders from the West (Giants, <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a>, Padres) have a better record than the Cubs in the NL. Certainly, some of the projections still haven’t acknowledged the Cubs as contenders, but some of them are starting to recognize the Cubs as the favorite in the division. Thirty days or so ago, that would have been an absurd thought. Kudos to David Ross and the team leadership for getting things pointed in the right direction. </p>
<p id="qtZGWX">Besides pointing out that fantastic May record, I’ve been pointing out the number of guys contributing to the team’s success. A long period of sustained winning will almost always be led by a group of players. One or two players can carry a team for a few days or even a week. But once you start looking at a strong month, you need a lot of guys contributing. I’d pointed out recently the number of players who have been key. In the last four days, four different players have had their first Superhero position of the month (Craig Kimbrel, Joc Pederson, Trevor Williams and now Ryan Tepera). 16 different Cubs have been the Superhero now in 23 games played and none of those 16 are Anthony Rizzo, so there’s a very good chance there will be at least one more. </p>
<p id="xkda5t">The Cubs are getting contributions from a bunch of different directions. They are winning games and they are having fun. There have been so many great times to be a Cubs fan over the last six plus years. This month is definitely one of them. </p>
<p id="i3BrzC">Let’s take a look at how things stacked up by WPA on Thursday. As you’ll recall, 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. And now, let’s get to the results.</p>
<p id="G9gTrY"><strong>Game 49, May 27: </strong>Cubs 5 at Pirates 3 (27-22)</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=2021-05-27&team=Pirates&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=2021-05-27&team=Pirates&dh=0&season=2021">FanGraphs</a></span>
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<p id="K4giLs"><strong>THREE HEROES:</strong></p>
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<li id="Xhg5f9">
<strong>Superhero: </strong>Ryan Tepera (.282). 1⅓ IP (5 batters faced), 0H, 0BB, 0R, 2K (Sv 1)</li>
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<strong>Hero: </strong>Kyle Hendricks (.141). 7IP (26 batters faced), 6H, 0BB, 3R, 5K (W 5-4)</li>
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<strong>Sidekick: </strong>Kris Bryant (.079). 2-5, HR (11), 2RBI, R, K</li>
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<p id="sXyzfM"><strong>THREE GOATS:</strong></p>
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<strong>Billy Goat: </strong>Rafael Ortega (-.083). 0-4</li>
<li id="fb0ksB">
<strong>Goat: </strong>Dan Winkler (-.059). ⅔ IP, H, 2BB, 0R, 0K, HBP</li>
<li id="sXSZW0">
<strong>Kid: </strong>Joc Pederson (-.036). 0-1, K</li>
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<p id="PNXCIF"><strong>WPA Play of the Game: </strong>Erik Gonzalez batted with the bases loaded and two outs in the eighth inning. Ryan Tepera entered the game and induced a ground ball to second for an inning ending fielder’s choice. (.196)</p>
<p id="SCdBe3">*Pirates Play of the Game: Michael Perez batted against Kyle Hendricks with two outs in the seventh inning, the Cubs led 4-2. Perez changed that with one swing of the bat, slugging a solo homer to cut the lead by one. (.125) The homer was the third of three solo shots allowed by Hendricks on the day. </p>
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<p id="xppiz8"><strong>Heroes and Goats Cumulative Standings: </strong>(Top 3/Bottom 3)</p>
<ul>
<li id="arWTNi">Kris Bryant +17</li>
<li id="U5VL4y">Craig Kimbrel +13</li>
<li id="na3qfg">Keegan Thompson +9.5</li>
<li id="312DrN">Zach Davies/David Bote -9</li>
<li id="HfOan7">Javier Baez -13</li>
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<p id="7CNg9F"><strong>Up Next: </strong>The Cubs open up a three-game set at Wrigley Field against the Reds. The Reds are just 22-26. They’ve lost seven of 10 and they are now five games off the pace in the Central. The Cubs are scheduled to start Adbert Alzolay. Adbert is yet another Cub regular who doesn’t yet have a Superhero placement this month. Seems like as good a time as any to get one. Hopefully he does and it helps propel the Cubs to a fifth consecutive win. </p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2021/5/28/22457991/2021-cubs-heroes-and-goats-game-49Thomas Smith2021-05-27T16:30:00-05:002021-05-27T16:30:00-05:00Sara’s Snapshots: Javier Báez is playing a different game entirely and we are all just along for the ride
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<figcaption>Javy Things on the basepaths | Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Let’s take a closer look at one of the greatest baserunning plays you’ll ever see</p> <p id="kEtwzv">Javier Báez is a magician. He makes plays no one can make and his reflexes are are so fast that he’ll occasionally <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/javier-baez-turns-outstanding-double-play">just flick his wrist and redirect a baseball right back to the second baseman</a> resulting in an out. I’ve written previously about Javy and how his brand of baseball <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2018/7/5/17536730/saras-snapshots-javy-baez-steal-home">generates chaos on the basepaths</a> resulting in runs and opportunities that never should have existed.</p>
<p id="fQAO3s">In today’s <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a>/Pirates finale Javier Báez managed to pull off one of his greatest tricks as he turned an inning-ending routine ground ball into a run and later came around to score. You absolutely want to <a href="https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2021/2021-05/27/37b89c49-5a831390-9f01b1b5-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">see this one again [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
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<p id="YZuvbG">Let’s break down how this unprecedented run scoring situation came together:</p>
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<figcaption>How did he even make contact with this?</figcaption>
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<p id="eqReft">This sequence of events all started with Javy hitting a baseball he had no business hitting. That is not a strike, it’s a couple inches above the zone and Javy somehow chops this ball to third, where by all accounts it’s a routine ground ball:</p>
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<figcaption>Nothing to see here, just a routine ground ball to third</figcaption>
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<p id="vAUHmm">Willson Contreras comes into view here, diligently running the bases and respecting 90 as third baseman Erik González makes what should be an inning ending throw to first:</p>
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<figcaption>The ball sails just a bit</figcaption>
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<p id="Hhwu60">But the ball sails just enough that it pulls first baseman Will Craig off the bag and seemingly right into the lane of one Javier Báez, who is about to take full advantage of his skills to turn this into one of the most incredible sequences of events you’ll ever see in a major league baseball game:</p>
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<figcaption>Javy is dead to rights</figcaption>
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<p id="ZGB7ui">Javy is dead to rights here. All Craig has to do is close two steps or retreat and touch first base and the inning ends. Craig’s crucial error was in trusting that he could close the distance between him and El Mago without incident:</p>
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<figcaption>Javy dekes Craig into the rundown</figcaption>
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<p id="F9eIy2">Javy dekes towards home and Craig is hooked. It’s almost like he’s paying so much attention to Javy he’s momentarily forgotten that all he has to do to end this play is touch first base. Javy is going to continue to reel in Craig:</p>
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<figcaption>Javy slow rolls the rundown</figcaption>
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<p id="VsWnOu">Javy’s brilliance is on full display as he heads back towards home. He speeds up, slows down, stutter steps, everything he can to keep Craig’s eyes on him rather than Willson Contreras sprinting down the third baseline:</p>
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<figcaption>Craig finally sees Willson</figcaption>
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<p id="IGyP2J">Both Javy and Craig are almost back at home plate when Craig realizes the method to Javy’s madness. It’s at this moment Craig commits to throwing out Contreras, which turns out to be an error in judgment:</p>
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<figcaption>So easy, right? A 4 foot toss to the catcher?</figcaption>
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<p id="20oO7w">This looks like it should be so easy. Toss the ball four feet to the catcher and you have two chances to make that final out. All you have to do is tag one of Willson Contreras or Javy Báez to end this whole thing:</p>
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<figcaption>Michael Perez misses the tag of Contreras</figcaption>
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<p id="mHwWeM">Perez chooses to tag Contreras and that does not work because Willson has clearly learned a thing or two about that swim move Javy perfected a few seasons ago. I think my favorite part of this entire play is Javy calling Willson safe before the home plate umpire:</p>
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<figcaption>Javy with the call</figcaption>
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<p id="kdsFIo">In his postgame interview Javy admitted that he was just watching the play at this point. Luckily for all of us, so were the Pirates. Javy remembers it’s a live ball and that he’s still 90 feet away from first before anyone in black and gold does:</p>
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<figcaption>Javy heads back to first</figcaption>
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<p id="OGYfRM">Perez realizes he needs to throw to first because Javy has wheels. Unfortunately for Perez none of his teammates thought about covering first base:</p>
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<figcaption>Javy is always going to win this footrace</figcaption>
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<p id="rIuQag">Here again Javy’s mere presence is going to change the course of events in this game. It’s a good throw from Perez (although I’m sure he wishes he could have thrown it to a player covering first base) but Javy is streaking down the line and Adam Frazier takes his eyes off the ball just long enough that he whiffs on the catch:</p>
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<figcaption>Javy is a human distraction</figcaption>
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<p id="6TJ65n">The ball bounces into the outfield as Javy slides into first safe. Javy is not done yet:</p>
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<figcaption>Onto second</figcaption>
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<p id="MtDUCK">Javy is on his way to second before he’s even been called safe at first:</p>
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<figcaption>This could be close</figcaption>
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<p id="hJZPFD">This play at second actually looks like it could be pretty close. The throw is online and this is not Javy’s best slide. But centerfielder Bryan Reynolds takes his eyes off the ball and attempts to do a Javy tag. Reynolds is not Javy so instead of tagging Javy for the out he misses the ball entirely and it skips down the line toward third:</p>
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<figcaption>Whoops, missed it again</figcaption>
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<p id="kZrJBb">In retrospect the entire play is the difference in this game. Javy would later come around to score on Ian Happ’s bloop single and the Cubs wound up winning 5-3 to sweep the Pirates. I’ve never seen anything like this in my life and apparently neither has Anthony Rizzo:</p>
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<figcaption>Rizzo doubled over laughing at Javy being Javy</figcaption>
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<p id="1WeMkJ">There are no stats that capture what Báez is capable of on a baseball diamond. There is no metric to encapsulate how he pulled Craig away from the sure out at first base or pulled multiple fielders eyes off throws that easily could have resulted in him being out before the run counted. There is just Javy being Javy, and Cubs fans are beyond lucky to be able to witness this one of a kind show.</p>
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https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2021/5/27/22457319/javier-baez-different-game-chaos-baserunning-magic-run-sara-snapshotsSara Sanchez2021-05-27T14:45:00-05:002021-05-27T14:45:00-05:00Cubs 5, Pirates 3: Javier Báez makes the greatest baserunning play you will ever see
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<figcaption>Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>El Mago and The Professor lead the Cubs to a series sweep.</p> <p id="tMHZ1f"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/gameday/cubs-vs-pirates/2021/05/27/633888">The Cubs defeated the Pirates 5-3</a> Thursday afternoon in Pittsburgh, sweeping the three-game series and winning their 10th in their last 13 tries.</p>
<p id="dpBrP8">And yet, I know all you want to talk about is the incredible baserunning play Javier Baez pulled off in the top of the third inning. It’s 1-0 Cubs at this point, with two out and Willson Contreras on second base.</p>
<p id="hKasFK"><a href="https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2021/2021-05/27/37b89c49-5a831390-9f01b1b5-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">Let’s get right to it [VIDEO].</a></p>
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<p id="WmViXn">There is SO much going on there — Pirates first baseman Will Craig with a complete brain fart, apparently forgetting he could have recorded the out by just touching first base. Then he fails to tag Javy, which Craig could have done about five different times while chasing him back toward the plate. Meanwhile, Contreras never stops running from second base to score. Javy signals safe! And only then does Baez run back toward first, which is uncovered, and a throw from catcher Michael Perez gets away, allowing Javy to take second. </p>
<p id="SHAun5">That literally causes Anthony Rizzo to nearly fall down laughing in the dugout (Watch! It’s in the clip!) — and this play wound up being essentially the difference in a two-run Cubs victory.</p>
<p id="lpoM0I">Folks on Twitter had fun with this:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">What Javier Baéz did is an example of why you should never give up on a play. Because you never know. You might just be playing the Pirates.</p>— Alden Gonzalez (@Alden_Gonzalez) <a href="https://twitter.com/Alden_Gonzalez/status/1397977845926752257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">That Javier Baez video is like watching a prey animal rear up on its hind legs and convince a bear it's 10 feet tall, only in this case the bear is just a guy who's going to be in blooper compilations for the rest of his life</p>— Dan Moore (@mademdashes) <a href="https://twitter.com/mademdashes/status/1397980310076231681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">*record scratch*<br><br>yeah that’s me. i bet you’re wondering how i ended up safe at second base on this play. <a href="https://t.co/XhScvZIHql">pic.twitter.com/XhScvZIHql</a></p>— Alex Lawson (@AlexxLawson) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexxLawson/status/1397978834977370117?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2021</a>
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<div id="WEXkCo">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Can't wait to take my kids to the Smithsonian and show them Javier Baez. <a href="https://t.co/4UGmcPpcsF">https://t.co/4UGmcPpcsF</a> <a href="https://t.co/qwt9yrTuNE">pic.twitter.com/qwt9yrTuNE</a></p>— Wookiee Of The Year (@WookieeOTY) <a href="https://twitter.com/WookieeOTY/status/1397972904747339786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2021</a>
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<p id="A8g0fb">And here’s the Pirates announcers call of the play:</p>
<div id="ObtIag">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Pirates broadcast of the Javier Báez play. <a href="https://t.co/WmUKunKpiO">pic.twitter.com/WmUKunKpiO</a></p>— Serenity (@HiImSerenity) <a href="https://twitter.com/HiImSerenity/status/1397971642035302400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2021</a>
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<p id="5rkqS2">I have watched baseball a long, long time. I have never seen anything like that before, and I doubt I ever will again. Javy’s baseball instincts — as you surely know — are off the charts, and he showed off just about all of them on that play. Just outstanding. And yet, the description of the play on Gameday was rather mundane:</p>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/V5yNZcrJ9d-kYpRD9KQpBZpifdA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22544111/Screenshot_20210527_140959.jpg">
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<p id="SJYm5i">Baez getting to second base on that play turned out to be important when the next hitter, Ian Happ, <a href="https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2021/2021-05/27/bef69408-04568d4e-bba21bb2-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">singled him in [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
<div id="MaqV2A"><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/2021/2021-05/27/bef69408-04568d4e-bba21bb2-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="t0G5YE"></p>
<p id="x9afMw">All of this happened with two out and one runner (Contreras) on base. The two runs scored as a result of Javy’s daring running provided the margin of victory.</p>
<p id="3etQqh">The Cubs’ run previous to all of that, giving them that 1-0 early lead, was <a href="https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2021/2021-05/27/b87c7c09-d249d8a2-23b67152-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">a solo homer by Kris Bryant in the first inning [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
<div id="zRgHKo"><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/2021/2021-05/27/b87c7c09-d249d8a2-23b67152-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="cfKWwX"></p>
<p id="HeqxGj">And another solo homer, <a href="https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2021/2021-05/27/ad1d0187-63a13b30-bb87991f-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">this one by Patrick Wisdom in the fourth [VIDEO]</a>, pushed the Cubs out to a 4-0 advantage.</p>
<div id="2dcQ4C"><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/2021/2021-05/27/ad1d0187-63a13b30-bb87991f-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="G0YRQK"></p>
<p id="RItDvj">It was Wisdom’s first home run as a Cub, and also his first since September 2018, when he was with the Cardinals.</p>
<p id="64iUtw">What’s most interesting about that home run is that it came after a successful Pirates challenge during Wisdom’s at bat. It appeared Wisdom had been hit by a pitch, and he sold it pretty well, but on review it was clear the ball hit the knob of the bat:</p>
<div id="CJ7cYM">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Top 4th - <a href="https://twitter.com/Pirates?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Pirates</a> challenge call that Patrick Wisdom was hit by the pitch; call overturned, no hit by pitch, foul ball. Powered by <a href="https://twitter.com/Mitel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mitel</a>. <a href="https://t.co/9byicmR5Dt">pic.twitter.com/9byicmR5Dt</a></p>— MLB Replays (@MLBReplays) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBReplays/status/1397988458531115019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2021</a>
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<p id="fnLC5q">Guess the Bucs should have left the HBP alone! It worked out well for Wisdom and the Cubs, though.</p>
<p id="NhOtC2">Meanwhile, Kyle Hendricks was throwing seven pretty good innings. He allowed three solo home runs — he’s been prone to that this year, that makes 14 HR allowed for Kyle in 56⅓ innings — but otherwise he recorded six of his 21 outs on ground balls and another five by strikeout. He didn’t walk anyone and threw 59 strikes in 83 pitches. The homers are a concern, but at least they’re coming with no one on base.</p>
<p id="VzcUM0">Dan Winkler got into a bit of trouble in the eighth, loading the bases on a walk, single and hit batter, so Ryan Tepera had to be summoned to get out of the inning, which he did on a ground ball to Baez.</p>
<p id="8GPXDD">The Cubs picked up an important insurance run in the ninth. Eric Sogard led off with a single and one out later, Contreras doubled him to third. <a href="https://bdata-producedclips.mlb.com/4d0b76ed-7b07-4a4e-ad9f-322c3f0861af.mp4">This grounder by Bryant [VIDEO]</a>, which eventually resulted in a double play, scored Sogard with the Cubs’ fifth run.</p>
<div id="02RCUK"><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://bdata-producedclips.mlb.com/4d0b76ed-7b07-4a4e-ad9f-322c3f0861af.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="jCLdeJ"></p>
<p id="XMLOju">Tepera continued in the ninth. A runner reached when a throw by Javy pulled KB off the bag, but Tepera then retired the side (Michael Perez, Kevin Newman and Wilmer Difo), two by strikeout, to nail down the victory.</p>
<p id="mxk9bl">The save was Tepera’s first as a Cub — in fact, his first since 2018 when he had seven for the Blue Jays. He’s been really good lately and a perfect fill-in for Craig Kimbrel, who was unavailable after pitching in three straight games.</p>
<p id="J71oIC">The win brought the Cubs temporarily into a first-place tie with the Cardinals, who play later Thursday night at Arizona. If the D-backs can beat St. Louis, the Cubs would move into first place by half a game. The Cubs are 27-22, the same record they had after 49 games in 2015, when they were a NL wild card with a 97-win season. The sweep made the Cubs 8-4 against the Pirates this season, and that’s something a good team should do against a bad one, win about two of every three games.</p>
<p id="CF8jCl">And thus, the complaint department door is closed and locked up tight. Savor this day!</p>
<p id="bGtTnm">The Cubs return home Friday afternoon (weather permitting, <a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-87.65575150732226&lat=41.948127593616675">and it looks like it might not</a>) to begin a three-game series against the Reds. Adbert Alzolay will start for the Cubs and Vladimir Gutierrez, making his MLB debut, is scheduled to start for Cincinnati. Game time is 1:20 p.m. CT and TV coverage will be via Marquee Sports Network. The game will also be on MLB Network outside the Cubs and Reds market territories.</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2021/5/27/22457137/cubs-pirates-recap-javier-baez-kyle-hendricks-mlb-scoresAl Yellon2021-05-27T13:05:00-05:002021-05-27T13:05:00-05:00Overflow thread: Cubs vs. Pirates, Thursday 5/27, 11:35 a.m. CT
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vOHQT-yAsS9CSyKRAa-VClYgt7c=/111x206:3000x2132/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69351926/1233126533.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="hDQ1uI">——</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2021/5/27/22456418/overflow-thread-cubs-vs-pirates-thursday-5-27-11-35-a-m-ctAl Yellon2021-05-27T11:30:00-05:002021-05-27T11:30:00-05:00First pitch thread: Cubs vs. Pirates, Thursday 5/27, 11:35 a.m. CT
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CGPRvJBkvg2sSJgWF3Ynt8hqvQs=/0x115:2000x1448/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69351273/1233033488.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="hDQ1uI">Go get ‘em, Kyle. </p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2021/5/27/22456415/first-pitch-thread-cubs-vs-pirates-thursday-5-27-11-35-a-m-ctAl Yellon2021-05-27T10:00:00-05:002021-05-27T10:00:00-05:00Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates preview, Thursday 5/27, 11:35 a.m. CT
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6UP0nMUc_BlWik1bxxG9anVQrUk=/252x473:2843x2200/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69350770/1233126680.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Cubs go for the series sweep!</p> <p id="KmYdVR">Leading off today with <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F2616867%2F2021%2F05%2F27%2Frosenthal-twins-season-not-yet-lost-strikeout-rates-soar-everywhere-changing-story-in-texas-more-notes%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bleedcubbieblue.com%2F2021%2F5%2F27%2F22450150%2Fchicago-cubs-pittsburgh-pirates-preview-thursday" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">a nice story about Matt Duffy:</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p id="IAX77e">When Matt Duffy saw Jed Hoyer’s number pop up on his phone on Nov. 28, he thought, “I can’t do this right now. I’ve got to let it go to voicemail.” Duffy was a free agent, in need of a job. Hoyer is the Cubs’ president of baseball operations. But at the time Hoyer called, Duffy was in Napa Valley on a wine-tasting tour, preparing to propose to his girlfriend, Rachael Crow.</p>
<p id="CBicVb">Duffy, who helped spark the Cubs’ surge in May before going on the injured list Tuesday with a lower back strain, had spoken to Hoyer the previous offseason before signing with the Rangers. He knew Hoyer already had spoken with his agent, Paul Cohen, and was planning to contact him directly. But less than an hour away from his proposal, he said he was trying to remain calm, act normal. He did not want to be distracted by a conversation about his future job prospects.</p>
<p id="pSS16L">In the end, it all worked out. Crow said yes to Duffy’s proposal. Duffy returned Hoyer’s call the following afternoon. The Cubs announced the signing of Duffy to a minor-league contract on Dec. 16.</p>
<p id="AFw2ZJ">The wedding, meanwhile, is scheduled for November 2022.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="TtanRi">Thursday notes:</p>
<ul>
<li id="WikI7Z">
<strong>WINNING WAYS:</strong> The Cubs are 15-7 in May and the team’s .682 winning percentage to start this month ranks second in the N.L. and fourth in the majors behind the Rays (18-6/.750), Padres (17-6/.739) and Yankees (16-6/.727).</li>
<li id="V081wp">
<strong>HAPP-Y NEWS:</strong> Ian Happ has 16 hits in his last 13 games since May 1 and is hitting .320/.382/.700 (16-for-50) in that span with four doubles, five homers, 10 RBI and four walks. Those nine extra-base hits have all been in his last 12 games since May 2 after collecting none in his first eight games of the season </li>
</ul>
<p id="hNy5lN">Here are today’s particulars.</p>
<p id="T5Sg5W"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/teams/chicago-cubs">Cubs</a> lineup:</p>
<div id="ER8hkK">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Early start time for getaway day in Pittsburgh!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CubTogether?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CubTogether</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZW8UIPyBwP">pic.twitter.com/ZW8UIPyBwP</a></p>— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1397913321899118597?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2021</a>
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<p id="e4rFFk"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/teams/pittsburgh-pirates">Pirates</a> lineup:</p>
<div id="gH4mu3">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Afternoon baseball.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsGoBucs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetsGoBucs</a> <a href="https://t.co/aHG4fhDII3">pic.twitter.com/aHG4fhDII3</a></p>— Pirates (@Pirates) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pirates/status/1397915716557234177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2021</a>
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<h2 id="GgR9hc">Kyle Hendricks, RHP vs. Tyler Anderson, LHP</h2>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OO-Af-4mHubd1iMmiTjF3BMSvWM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22461929/usa_today_15750028.jpg">
<cite>USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DL0sggHpnk4ZPv79Xn2caPMjntc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22495982/usa_today_15733114.jpg">
<cite>USA TODAY NETWORK</cite>
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<p id="orknaL">This is another pitching rematch, of the game <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN202105090.shtml">May 9 at Wrigley Field</a>. Kyle Hendricks got touched up for four runs in the first inning, largely due to the play on which Jake Marisnick was injured — if he catches that ball, it’s a scoreless inning. After that Kyle settled down, and since that game he’s made two starts and allowed two earned runs in 14⅔ innings with one walk and 12 strikeouts. I’ll expect that Kyle to stick with us the rest of the season.</p>
<p id="xF5cCG">Tyler Anderson threw eight strong innings against the Cubs that afternoon, allowing just two runs. Since then he has made two starts and been absolutely pounded: 10 innings, 11.70 ERA, 2.000 WHIP, five home runs allowed.</p>
<p id="IBXDi7">In general, the Cubs have hit lefthanders quite well this year: .255/.332/.438 with 19 home runs in 416 at-bats. They are 11-3 vs. LH starters this year. I feel good about their chances this morning/afternoon.</p>
<p id="8UHAPO">Today’s game is on Marquee Sports Network. <a href="https://www.marqueesportsnetwork.com/providers/">Here’s a list of providers currently carrying Marquee<strong>.</strong></a> It’s also on MLB Network (outside the Cubs and Pirates market territories).</p>
<p id="6w2xna"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/2021/05/27">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=2021_05_27_chnmlb_pitmlb_1">MLB.com Gameday</a></p>
<p id="iDRiK8"><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/previews/2021/PIT202105270.shtml">Baseball-reference.com game preview</a></p>
<p id="7oSHCm">Please visit our SB Nation <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/teams/pittsburgh-pirates">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="mRtOMf">The 2021 Game Thread procedure will be a bit different than previous years. It will be similar to what we’ve used for Spring Training.</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 post related to that particular game, including the First Pitch Thread and the overflow thread, 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 the overflow thread 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 90 minutes after the scheduled game time.</p>
<p id="cWIBoH">Discuss amongst yourselves.</p>
<p id="XwbQDp"></p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2021/5/27/22450150/chicago-cubs-pittsburgh-pirates-preview-thursdayAl Yellon