Chicago Cubs Recap: Hendricks struggles again but Russell hits walk off in the 9th

The Chicago Cubs finished off the homestand in dramatic fashion with an Addison Russell walk-off homer.

The Chicago Cubs Kyle Hendricks was looking to rebound from a couple of mediocre starts, but it was much the same for Hendricks. Hendricks allowed four runs in just five innings of work, allowing two home runs and walking a career-high four batters. His third inning walk to Tommy Milone was the first time in his career that he has walked the pitcher.

This put the Cubs in a hole 3-0 hole again, and it seemed like they were never going to come out of it.

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But finally, after tying the game in the ninth on a Kris Bryant single, Addison Russell launched a game-winning walk-off three-run home run to give the Cubs a 7-4 win.

The Cubs slowed picked away at the deficit throughout the game. In the 8th, the Cubs got it to within one on a bloop single by Russell. The Cubs then had runners at second and third with one out (after Rizzo and Russell a base), but Albert Almora and Javier Baez struck out.

In the ninth, Jon Jay walked, and Miguel Montero singled. Montero was then lifted for a pinch runner, Carl Edwards Jr. Kris Bryant singled to tie the game, and then Addison Russell sent the crowd of 34,864 in euphoria with a monster three-run homer. Suffice today, that ending can be described as #ThatsCub.

Hendricks Struggles Continue

Kyle Hendricks again was off his game. His fastball was coming in at just 84 mph, and he allowed two more home runs. Hendricks uncharacteristically walked four batters as well. He did keep the team in the ballgame though, and it paid off in the end.

I wouldn’t say I am worried about Hendricks at this point, but his dip in velocity is a bit concerning. Let’s hope he rights the ship soon, as he’s a big part of that Cubs rotation.

Bullpen Does It Again

Once again, the Cubs bullpen showed signs of coming together. Mike Montgomery, Koji Uehara, Pedro Strop and Wade Davis combined to allow just two hits and no runs. Davis remains perfects on the season and improves to 2-0 now. The bullpen kept the team in the ballgame, and that’s a big reason why the Cubs were able to come back and win.

What’s Next

The Cubs (8-7) have an off day tomorrow before heading to Cincinnati (8-5) to open a three-game set with the Mighty Reds. Jon Lester (0-0 1.00 ERA) will oppose Tim Adleman (0-0, 2.25 ERA). Game time is set for 6:05 on WGN.