Chicago Cubs walk-off on Avila’s two-run single to secure sweep

The Chicago Cubs got a two-run single from Alex Avila, set up by two strikeouts to comeback to beat the Toronto Blue Jays and complete the series sweep.

The strikeout game. Chicago Cubs‘ fans may remember it as that after the Cubs had two strikeouts. But both players reached as they rallied from a 5-3 deficit to beat the Blue Jays and finish off the weekend sweep. All that led to a two-run single from Alex Avila–whose throwing error helped give the Jays the lead–to lead them back to a 6-5 win.

The Cubs (66-57) had to go deep into their bullpen, eventually getting the win from Justin Wilson (4-4, 3.13). Wilson once again struggled to throw strikes, allowing two walks that lead to the Jays taking the 5-3 lead.

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The Jays (59-65) got a strong start from Marco Estrada, who went six innings allowing three runs. He and Cubs’ starter Kyle Hendricks finished with very similar lines (Both went 6 IP, 3 ER), but neither would factor in the decision. Estrada allowed a bases-clearing double to Albert Almora in the third inning, but the Cubs would see a run cross the plate again until the 10th.

With Blue Jays’ closer Robert Osuna taking the mound for the save, the inning quickly got—quirky. Kyle Schwarber struck out but reached as the pitch got away from Raffy Lopez. A Ben Zobrist single followed, moving Schwarber to third. Osuna then threw a wild pitch, with Schwarber scoring and Zobrist moving to second.

Anthony Rizzo followed by putting the ball in play, but a groundout to Darwin Barney moved Zobrist to third. Javier Baez then struck out swinging–but again the pitch got away, and a Lopez brain cramp allowed Baez to reach. Jason Heyward was then hit by a pitch, and with just one ball put in play, the Cubs would have a chance.

Next: Duensing will be key down the stretch

Avila hit a rocket single into right field, allowing Zobrist to score. Baez was right on his tail for the winning run. The walk-off win sealed the sweep for the Cubs. The Cubs are now 2 1/2 games ahead of the Cardinals.

What’s Next

The Cubs will have tomorrow off before heading to Cincinnati on Tuesday to open a series against the Reds. John Lackey (10-9, 4.67) will face Homer Bailey (4-6, 8.44) in the opener.