Chicago Cubs News: What a way to start the NLDS!

If you didn’t stay up for the Chicago Cubs opener of the NLDS, shame on you. You missed a brilliant start by Jon Lester and some heroics from Javier Baez, but we’ll forgive you–and fill you in.

The Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants opened up the NLDS in fine fashion on Friday night. Jon Lester and Johnny Cueto were locked in a pitcher’s duel all night. There were few mistakes by either staff, but Cueto made the most costly one in the eighth inning. Javier Baez took Cueto deep–but not as deep as many thought–for the only run of the night in the Cubs 1-0 victory.

Off the bat, Baez’ shot looked ticketed for Waveland, but the wind had other ideas. It still made it to the basket, but I think many of us, including myself, thought the ball was going way further than it did. Nonetheless, Lester pitched eight strong innings and closer Aroldis Chapman closed it out with just a bit of drama to give the Cubs the 1-0 lead in the NLDS.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups
• Cubs: P.J. Higgins deserves to be in the lineup on a daily basis
• Cubs might start to limit Justin Steele’s workload soon
• Cubs: Adrian Sampson is forcing his way into the conversation
• Projecting the Chicago Cubs bullpen to open the 2023 season

When I wrote about dealing with your excitement or fear depending on who you are, it was just something I felt all Cubs fans were feeling. Some were overly excited, some hopeful. But all of us were feeling a certain way about this year. If you had the opportunity to see Confessions of a Cubs fan following the game, it was cool to see similar thoughts as to what I had written just prior to the game. If you get a chance, check out both of them if you can.

The win in the first game could prove to be huge, especially when you look at the rest of the league and the other series. The Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox are down 2-0 to open their series. In the NL, the Dodgers picked up a win in Game 1 and will play the Nationals again today. Cleveland and the Blue Jays are on the cusp of an ALCS matchup unless the Rangers and Red Sox comeback.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Cubs Baez, Lester lead the way in win over Giants’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Whether fear or excitement, you aren’t alone Cubs’ fans’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Toronto hits four homers in win for 2-0 ALDS lead’ – MLB.com

‘Tribe on the verge of ALCS appearance’ – Wahoo’s on First

‘One Giant question: Can they score enough to win?’ – ESPN

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If you haven’t already, make sure to like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @CubbiesCrib! Check back throughout the day as we’ll have analysis from last night’s win, as well as coverage prior to tonight’s game.