On a night that was almost set up for failure before it even started, The Cubs dug themselves in a hole that raged a lot of hate on Cubs twitter. To take the mound for the home team on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball, was Brain Matusz. The Chicago Cubs recently optioned Justin Grimm to AAA this past week to make room for Matusz on the roster. Which in reality, this was a game for him to get a spot start to try and increase his trade value.
Coming into this game, Matusz had to face King Felix Hernadez & the Seattle Mariners. This was the Mariners first time playing on SNB since 2004.
Well, after command issues and the lack of being able to place pitches, the Mariners led the Cubs 6-0 after the 3rd inning. After 3 innings, the Cubs bullpen took over and shut out SEA. CJ Edwards had a heck of a performance. He faced 6 batters & struck out 5. That kid is going to be very good in years to come. The Cubs used 22 players in this game alone. They got everyone involved, except Hendricks/Arrieta/Lackey. Travis Wood even came into the game to pinch hit, pitch, & go out to play LF. He didn't just play, he made a web gem running grab which forced him to bang against the brick wall in the outfield. It helped get the crowd back into it.
Going into the 9th inning, The Cubs were down 6-3. Fans were leaving their seats and counting this team out. Well thanks to RBI's by Russell & Contreras and a wild pitch to bring the tying run across the plate, the Cubs were off to extras in a game that felt over after the first 3 innings. The come back was just insane. 6-6.
In the bottom of the 12th, score still tied 6-6, Jason Heyward led the team off with a double which was just a few feet short of being a walk off home run. After having such a slump season, that must have felt great. Contreras then flew out to the CF but with J-Hey tagging up for 3rd, It was a great opportunity for the unexpected to happen. Joe Maddon pinch hits Jon Lester, who just got his first career hit last year. Lester squared up on a fast ball and put a perfect bunt which allowed Heyward to score from 3rd. Yep, Jon Lester hit a walk off. I never thought I would have to say that in my life. Wrigley Field was nuts and so were the players.
In a game that was headed in a downward direction from the start, to coming back strong & finishing up with the win; It almost feels like the turning point for the Cubs in the 2016 season. Even with being the best team in baseball.
This game belongs to Joe Maddon and the whole team. The way Travis Wood came to pinch hit, to play the field, and then to pitch all in that sequence, was absolutely crazy. The hustle by Willson Contreras. Having Jon Lester pinch hit and hit the game winner on a sacrifice bunt after being down by 6 in the third inning is just how this Cubs team is resembled. Never count them out & expect the unexpected.
Man, was that fun to watch & quiet frankly, my favorite game so far in the 2016 season along with the Javy Baez Mothers Day walk off HR. A lot of baseball yet to be played & a lot more memories to be made, Cubs fans. Enjoy this one.
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