Chicago Cubs keep their season alive behind Lester, Chapman

The Chicago Cubs entered Sunday evening with their backs against the wall at Wrigley Field. It was one heck of a ballgame that forced both skippers to work their bullpen to the bone. This time it was the good guys who came out on top.

We can finally exhale. What a game that was at the Friendly Confines and our Chicago Cubs are still alive. Some thought Game 3 was a must-win for the Cubbies with Corey Kluber taking the mound and winning Game 4.

However, with the Chicago Cubs facing elimination on their home turf, forcing a Game 6 in Cleveland was at the top of the list. And tonight was the final home game for veteran catcher David Ross.

Grandpa Ross had a defensive assist (threw out Francisco Lindor), if you will, on a foul ball near Cleveland’s dugout. First baseman Anthony Rizzo was right behind him, catching the ball that bounced off his glove.

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To add to Ross’s night, he stepped to the dish with the bases loaded and drove in a run via the sacrifice fly. A huge at-bat that could have resulted in more had he put a little more into the pitch.

At first, it looked like he got just enough of it to leave the yard. Instead, it fell into the glove of outfielder Carlos Santana who got it back into the field of play. Scoring would be Ben Zobrist to cap a three-run fourth inning.

Working Hard

Ace southpaw, Jon Lester, started off the game strong by striking out the first three hitters of the game. With the crowd on its feet and momentum behind him, third baseman Jose Ramirez launched a solo home run out to left field, giving Cleveland the lead.

In six innings of work, Lester gave up two earned run on four hits, zero walks, and five strikeouts before handing things over to the pen. Right-hander Carl Edwards Jr. entered the seventh inning and did just enough for Aroldis Chapman.

Back to the fourth inning. Soon-to-be National League MVP, Kris Bryant hammered a solo home run out to left field off Trevor Bauer. Bryant’s first World Series home run tied the game at one and sparked this offense.

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Moments later, Anthony Rizzo turned on the first pitch of his at-bat and sent it over the head of the right field. Rizzo’s double later resulted in him scoring on Addison Russell‘s infield single to Ramirez.

Chicago had a few opportunities to add more runs. Jason Heyward had himself a single and two stolen bases late in the game but did not score. Aroldis Chapman made his first plate appearance as a member of the Cubs but struck out.

However, he managed to record an eight-out save. Now it’s time for the Chicago Cubs to keep the train rolling with Jake Arrieta on the mound and Kyle Schwarber back in the lineup. Season isn’t over yet.

Magic number is two.