Morning Marquee: Chicago Cubs walk-off with win in the ninth

Hammel, Cubs win  in pitcher’s duel

Sometimes when a game is supposed to be a “pitcher’s duel”, with two solid starters on the mound, and less than favorable conditions it turns out to be the opposite. But the Chicago Cubs

and the New York Mets

lived up to the billing. The advantage? Hammel pitched into the eighth while Harvey was pulled after seven. I’m not sure the Cubs would have gotten to Harvey, but that’s how baseball works.

Once Harvey was out of the game, the Cubs were finally able to mount a rally, and then make something out of said rally. Dexter Fowler singled, scoring Addison Russell who had advanced to second on a wild pitch. Fowler was tagged out on the play trying to advance to second, but the throw was cut off.

The excitement of the ninth was a little anticlimactic, as Jorge Soler struck out with the bases loaded. Chris Coghlan followed, with the Mets playing a five-man infield. None of the five would have the chance to handle the ball as Jeurys Familia walked Coghlan to end the game. The Cubs will now look for the four-game sweep on Thursday.

The Cubs starting pitching is improving, at least with spots one through three. But what about Kyle Hendricks and Travis Wood? Some fans are already looking around for their replacements but is it too soon? Their efforts have been inconsistent, but both have the ability to get things turned around.

These stories and more that you may have missed:

‘Cubs make it three-straight with walk-off win’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Are we giving up on Wood and Hendricks too soon? – Cubbies Crib

‘Statcast: Surprising speed from the Cubs’ Kris Bryant’ – MLB.com

‘Should the Cubs consider trading for the A’s Scott Kazmir?’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Kluber pitches gem to top the Cardinals, 2-0’ – Wahoo’s on First

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