Bleed Cubbie Blue - Cubs vs. Brewers Saturday 8/27 game threadsA Chicago Cubs Fan Community Since February 9, 2005https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47557/cubbieblue.png2022-08-28T10:00:00-05:00http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/rss/stream/230885832022-08-28T10:00:00-05:002022-08-28T10:00:00-05:002022 Cubs Heroes and Goats: Game 127
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<figcaption>Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Offense, bullpen spoil Smyly’s strong start; Cubs lose 7-0</p> <p id="hoWC32">Baseball is not really that complicated a sport. Up to the All-Star break, the Cubs were 35-57. They had a team ERA of 4.58. Since the break, the Cubs are 20-15 and they headed into Saturday’s game with an ERA after the break of 3.22. It’s like a switch was flipped. Prior to Saturday night’s game, there was a full point difference between the first half and second half ERAs for relievers (4.30 to 3.30). That’s a pretty striking change. </p>
<p id="DnwRE2">Drew Smyly and his rotation mates say hold our beer. That’s because Smyly and his mates are over a point and a half better (4.83 to 3.17). That’s also pretty striking. Smyly, of course, did nothing to spoil that with six strong innings, allowing no runs. I was actually a little surprised that Smyly didn’t head back out for the seventh. He didn’t, though, and the game totally got away from the bullpen, leading to the 72nd loss of the season for the Cubs. </p>
<p id="i5WEel">This wasn’t all on the bullpen though. You don’t win baseball games when you don’t score runs. Period, end of story. Friday night, the Cubs managed two hits, just four days after being held to one hit. The Cubs managed five hits. They drew four walks. Given that three of the hits were actually doubles, a little sequencing could have produced at least a run or two in this one and have put some pressure on the Brewers. But, Brandon Woodruff is pretty good and he was very good Saturday night. </p>
<p id="0JPXTo">Even with two contact guys in Nico Hoerner and Nick Madrigal in the lineup, the Cubs like most teams, still go through dry spells. No doubt they are facing some solid pitchers, but there’s little question that there simply isn’t enough thunder in the lineup right now. If the Cubs believe they can compete next year, and there is certainly at least an inkling that they can, they are going to have to add some offensive firepower. I don’t think you ever pass an opportunity to add quality pitching at the right price, but offense is the biggest weakness in my eyes right now. Particularly, at least one or two really qualified run producers. </p>
<p id="bXjKx8">Sunday’s a quick turn around, so let’s get right to the three stars from this game. </p>
<ol>
<li id="JjzVNH">Drew Smyly - 24 batters, 18 outs. Drew drops his season ERA to 3.24 over 89 innings of work.</li>
<li id="alT8Nc">Seiya Suzuki - Two hits, both doubles. He also drew a walk. He has a line of .248/.322/.410. Certainly a bit disappointing, particularly after his torrid start to the season. </li>
<li id="Qvj4pT">Nico Hoerner had a hit, a walk and a stolen base in four plate appearances.</li>
</ol>
<p id="tnoHoG">And now we look at the Heroes and Goats from Saturday’s loss. </p>
<p id="4HtArf"><strong>Game 127, August 27: </strong>Brewers 7, Cubs 0 (55-72)</p>
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<figcaption>Fangraphs</figcaption>
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<p id="YJbrLU">Reminder: Heroes and Goats are determined by WPA scores and are in no way subjective.</p>
<p id="zdTeVY"><strong>THREE HEROES:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="42j513">
<strong>Superhero: </strong>Drew Smyly (.355). 6IP (24 batters), 5H, BB, 2K, WP</li>
<li id="yzTCbD">
<strong>Hero: </strong>Seiya Suzuki (.038). 2-3, 2-2B, BB</li>
<li id="rdoIXg">
<strong>Sidekick: </strong>Nico Hoerner (.034). 1-3, BB, K, SB</li>
</ul>
<p id="irRkEU"><strong>THREE GOATS:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="pudC6L">
<strong>Billy Goat: </strong>Rowan Wick (-.388). ⅓ IP (7 batters), 4H, BB, 4R (3ER), K (L 4-7)</li>
<li id="3kmhzK">
<strong>Goat: </strong>Christopher Morel (-.138). 0-3, 3K</li>
<li id="ZLApe9">
<strong>Kid: </strong>Franmil Reyes (-.136). 0-4, 3K</li>
</ul>
<p id="eN9VO7"><strong>WPA Play of the Game: </strong>With runners on first and second and no outs in a scoreless seventh inning, Jace Peterson attempted a sacrifice bunt to third. Christopher Morel made an error and the big inning was imminent. (.175)</p>
<p id="B5jZxY">*Cubs Play of the Game: Nick Madrigal led off the game with a double. (.059)</p>
<div id="OR2xr7"><div data-anthem-component="poll:11484039"></div></div>
<p id="iTnQrj"><strong>Rizzo Award Cumulative Standings: </strong>(Top 5/Bottom 5)</p>
<p id="eEPeIk">The award is named for Anthony Rizzo, who finished first in this category three of the first four years it was in existence and four times overall. He also recorded the highest season total ever at +65.5. The point scale is three points for a Superhero down to negative three points for a Billy Goat.</p>
<ul>
<li id="9NIaxR">David Robertson +22.5</li>
<li id="rE1bFw">Nico Hoerner +18.5</li>
<li id="VnMiON">Scott Effross +17</li>
<li id="AoXtd1">Christopher Morel +14</li>
<li id="gEglTA">Patrick Wisdom +13.5</li>
<li id="hQIS2m">Daniel Norris/Frank Schwindel/Rowan Wick -9.5</li>
<li id="qUAR8H">Yan Gomes -13</li>
<li id="e4BbIL">Jason Heyward -15.5</li>
<li id="PuJlQD">Rafael Ortega -16.5</li>
</ul>
<p id="IKeMnt"><strong>Up Next: </strong>The third and final game of the series and the final game of the season between the Cubs and Brewers. Even with Saturday’s loss, the Cubs have already clinched the season series, having won 10 of 18 games. They’ll seek an 11th victory and to further damage the playoff hopes of the Brewers on Sunday. Adrian Sampson (1-4, 4.04) starts for the Cubs and Eric Lauer (9-5, 3.44) goes for the Brewers. </p>
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https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2022/8/28/23325265/2022-cubs-heroes-and-goats-game-127Thomas Smith2022-08-28T08:00:00-05:002022-08-28T08:00:00-05:00Brewers 7, Cubs 0: A tale of two games
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<figcaption>One of the only Cub highlights of this game, Nick Madrigal sliding into second safely with a double | Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>This was a good pitchers’ duel... until, suddenly, it wasn’t.</p> <p id="JbBdUz">Drew Smyly, who’s been lights-out this month, continued his pitching dominance with six shutout innings Saturday evening in Milwaukee in which he allowed five hits and a walk.</p>
<p id="oy14yO">Unfortunately, when Smyly was removed after those six innings, the Cubs bullpen imploded and that led to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/gameday/cubs-vs-brewers/2022/08/27/661180#game_state=final,game_tab=box,game=661180">a 7-0 loss to the Brewers</a>, evening up this three-game series at one win each.</p>
<p id="NiU6ks">Friday, it took until the seventh inning for the Cubs to get a hit, when Ian Happ broke up a no-hit bid with a home run. Saturday, it took only four pitches for the Cubs’ first hit, a double by Nick Madrigal (pictured above). Madrigal eventually got to third on a wild pitch, but was stranded.</p>
<p id="tYpELP">Brandon Woodruff matched Smyly with six shutout innings. The difference: Woodruff struck out 10 Cubs, while Smyly had only two K’s.</p>
<p id="n85GH3">Me? I think I would have left Smyly out there for one more inning. He had thrown 86 pitches (62 strikes) and didn’t seem to be exerting any extraordinary effort in recording outs. He’d thrown at least 91 pitches in all four of his previous starts in August.</p>
<p id="NRPTX6">Instead, it all fell apart in the seventh. Rowan Wick relieved Smyly and immediately allowed a pair of singles. Jace Peterson attempted a sacrifice bunt and Christopher Morel threw the ball away, allowing a run to score. Eight pitches later, Christian Yelich smashed a three-run homer and that was essentially the game.</p>
<p id="trkFKR">Michael Rucker, who’s actually been pretty good lately, wasn’t in this game, serving up a solo homer to Kolten Wong and a two-run shot to Willy Adames that put things completely out of reach.</p>
<p id="v6wuiB">That’s it, really, and now I’m going to back up a bit and break up this wall of text.</p>
<p id="RsNGGu">The Cubs had a scoring chance in the seventh when Nico Hoerner led off with a walk and, two outs later, stole second.</p>
<p id="17TCqX">Then Morel was called out on strikes, and no, plate umpire Manny Gonzalez, pitch 7 was not a strike:</p>
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<p id="nQGrKU"><a href="https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2022/2022-08/27/48b95c8d-d153891c-aaa54d39-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">That call got first-base coach Mike Napoli tossed [VIDEO].</a></p>
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<div><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com%2FFORGE%2F2022%2F2022-08%2F27%2F48b95c8d-d153891c-aaa54d39-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4&key=9ef4a209439e42bc59783ba959d50197" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" allow="encrypted-media *;"></iframe></div></div>
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<p id="YwUKE8">Obviously, in a 7-0 game a missed call like this had little effect on the outcome, although the game was still scoreless at the time. I’ll be interested in seeing the ump scorecard for Gonzalez, because he missed several other calls. </p>
<p id="ucRa0g">As for Smyly:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">With six shutout innings tonight, Drew Smyly ends August with a 0.90 ERA in five starts this month. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cubs</a></p>— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) <a href="https://twitter.com/M_Montemurro/status/1563718565773152257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2022</a>
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<p id="vpuLrH">That’s about all I’ve got on this one. The Cubs still have a chance for a series win Sunday afternoon, as they wrap up 2023 competition with the Brewers. Adrian Sampson will start for the Cubs and Eric Lauer will go for Milwaukee. Game time is 1:10 p.m. CT and TV coverage will be via Marquee Sports Network. The game preview here will post at 11:30 a.m. CT.</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2022/8/28/23325543/cubs-brewers-recap-drew-smyly-rowan-wick-mlb-scoresAl Yellon2022-08-27T19:40:00-05:002022-08-27T19:40:00-05:00Overflow thread: Cubs vs. Brewers, Saturday 8/27, 6:10 CT
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<figcaption>Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="iolP62">——</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2022/8/27/23324541/overflow-thread-cubs-vs-brewers-saturday-8-27-6-10-ctAl Yellon2022-08-27T18:05:00-05:002022-08-27T18:05:00-05:00First pitch thread: Cubs vs. Brewers, Saturday 8/27, 6:10 CT
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<figcaption>Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="iolP62">Go get ‘em, Drew.</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2022/8/27/23324538/first-pitch-thread-cubs-vs-brewers-saturday-8-27-6-10-ctAl Yellon2022-08-27T16:00:00-05:002022-08-27T16:00:00-05:00Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers preview, Saturday 8/27, 6:10 CT
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<figcaption>Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Cubs go for two straight over the Brewers.</p> <p id="B2lOa3">Today’s roster move: <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2022/8/27/23324878/cubs-roster-move-patrick-wisdom-injured-list-alfonso-rivas-recalled">Here</a></p>
<p id="Km0U1s">Saturday notes...</p>
<ul>
<li id="VUQ4z6">
<strong>CENTRALLY GOOD:</strong> The Cubs are 29-29 against NL Central teams this year and have won the season series over the Brewers, leading 10-7 with two games remaining.</li>
<li id="SQIgWT">
<strong>LOTS OF CUBS:</strong> When Manuel Rodriguez appeared Friday night, he became the 58th Cub this season. Of those, 34 who have made their Cubs debuts. The 58 players are tied for second-most in the majors this season with the Angels. Only the Pirates (60) have used more in 2022.</li>
<li id="zpvFVg">
<strong>IT’S THE PITCHING:</strong> Cubs pitching has posted a 3.04 ERA (113 earned runs in 334⅓ innings) in the team’s last 37 games since July 16, the second-lowest ERA in the majors during that span, behind the Dodgers (2.55). Cubs pitching in this stretch has walked 120, struck out 316 and held opponents to a .237 BA (299-for-1,260).</li>
<li id="YgQpmC">
<strong>THE CLOSE ONES:</strong> The Cubs have played in 42 one-run games this season, fourth-most in the majors. Nine of those games for the Cubs have been against the Brewers, the most against any one opponent. The Cubs are 7-2 in one-run games against the Brewers.</li>
</ul>
<p id="IINzHo">Here are today’s particulars.</p>
<p id="628IUi"><a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> lineup:</p>
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<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 for game two in Milwaukee! <a href="https://t.co/LVULkVD59W">pic.twitter.com/LVULkVD59W</a></p>— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1563620303309242368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
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<p id="nU1Gao"><a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a> lineup:</p>
<div id="Sa0qn6">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lined up behind Big Woo<br><br> : <a href="https://twitter.com/BallySportWI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BallySportWI</a> <br> : <a href="https://twitter.com/620wtmj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@620wtmj</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/fleet_farm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fleet_farm</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThisIsMyCrew?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThisIsMyCrew</a> <a href="https://t.co/sV46owisdP">pic.twitter.com/sV46owisdP</a></p>— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brewers/status/1563632682826956802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2022</a>
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<h2 id="lePhfq">Drew Smyly, LHP vs. Brandon Woodruff, RHP</h2>
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<cite>USA TODAY NETWORK</cite>
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<cite>USA TODAY NETWORK</cite>
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<p id="iWmfB2">Drew Smyly threw seven outstanding innings against the Cardinals <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN202208220.shtml">this past Monday</a> at Wrigley Field, allowing just one run. (Unfortunately, that was a home run by Albert Pujols that was the difference in a 1-0 loss.)</p>
<p id="pkUabw">In four starts in August: 1.13 ERA, 0.917 WHIP, 23 strikeouts in 24 innings. The only outing he’s had against Milwaukee this year was <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN202205302.shtml">May 30 at Wrigley Field</a>, where he threw three no-hit innings before leaving with an oblique injury that kept him out for six weeks.</p>
<p id="Z7sPgX">The Cubs scored two runs in 5⅔ innings off Brandon Woodruff <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN202208210.shtml">last Sunday</a> at Wrigley Field. Earlier this year they pounded him for seven runs in just 3⅔ innings. Woodruff has been good this year, but not quite as good as he was last year.</p>
<p id="cABd0o">Here’s hoping the familiarity with Woodruff, having just seen him, will help the Cubs tonight.</p>
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<cite><a class="ql-link" href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/pitchmix#592767_2022" target="_blank">Statcast</a></cite>
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<cite><a class="ql-link" href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/pitchmix#605540_2022" target="_blank">Statcast</a></cite>
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<p id="99GlrB">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></p>
<p id="Hqro5e"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/2022/08/27/">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=2022_08_27_chnmlb_milmlb_1">MLB.com Gameday</a></p>
<p id="iDRiK8"><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/previews/2022/MIL202208270.shtml">Baseball-reference.com game preview</a></p>
<p id="7oSHCm">Please visit our SB Nation Brewers site <a href="http://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brew Crew Ball</a>. If you do go there to interact with Brewers 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 2022 Game Thread procedure will be like last years, 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>
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https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2022/8/27/23323031/chicago-cubs-milwaukee-brewers-preview-saturdayAl Yellon