Cubs Recap: Chris Denorfia’s walk-off blast ends home stand on high note

Cubs wrap up homestand in walk-off fashion

There were several balls that nearly left the yard, but Chicago Cubs outfielder Chris Denorfia put just enough behind his swing to lift his club over the Kansas City Royals with a walk-off homer during the bottom half of the 11th.

Both Kyle Hendricks and Yordano Ventura found themselves in a pitcher’s duel as they combined for only four hits, 15 strikeouts, and only three walks across 13 innings of work.

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Hendricks (7-7, 4.09 ERA) definitely turned in one of his best performances of the season against one of the best teams in the entire league but I’m sure he would have appreciated some offense to help pick up his eighth win.

Ventura cruised through this dangerous Cubs (91-65) lineup that had Kris Bryant picking up his first big league start at first base with Anthony Rizzo getting the night off before they hit the road.

Bryant finished the game 1-for-4 with two strikeouts and moved to center field, right field, then third base before Denorfia sent everybody home happy.

Infielder Tommy La Stella – who could be a postseason roster lock over Javier Baez – made a fantastic leaping grab in the second inning of the game to rob Alex Rios of extra bases.

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Outfielder Jorge Soler tabbed the first Cubs hit of the evening on a sharp ground ball to center fielder Lorenzo Cain to lead off the home half of the sixth inning.

Kansas City (90-66) turned to their bullpen in the eighth inning and worked three scoreless frames until Miguel Almonte gave up the game-winning homer to Denorfia.

Kelvin Herrera, Luke Hochevar, and Ryan Madson each combined for only one hit and four strikeouts. Tonight’s walk-off is No. 13 for the Cubs, which leads the entire league in that category.

David Ross had himself a walk-off hit with the Royals in town back in May that scored Kris Bryant to help Chicago ride away with a 2-1 win, earning a short split.

Chicago officially wins this series against Kansas City, but these two teams could potentially meet up later on in the postseason when it’s time to play for all the marbles.

Next: Would Renteria have done this well?