Chicago Cubs: Kyle Hendricks’ postseason starts in review

CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 20: Kyle Hendricks #28 of the Chicago Cubs throws a pitch in the first inning against the New York Mets during game three of the 2015 MLB National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field on October 20, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Chicago Cubs v. New York Mets – NLCS Game 3

Behind solid performances from Matt Harvey and Noah Syndergaard, the New York Mets were able to take a 2-0 series lead over the Cubs in the NLCS. Taking the ball in Game 3 was Hendricks, matching up against Jacob deGrom. deGrom was able to back-up his All-Star selection with seven strong innings of four-hit, two-run baseball. He was lifted after 100 pitches, 66 for strikes.

Hendricks had a solid yet short outing in Game 3. Over four innings, Hendricks struck out four batters and allowed five hits. Those five hits yielded two runs and Hendricks finished the night with 67 pitches thrown, 43 for strikes.

Of those 67 pitches thrown, a vast majority (58%) were sinkers. Hendricks followed that up by throwing his change-up 32 percent of the time, with his fastball and curveball thrown just a combined 11 percent of the time.

Whereas Hendricks was able to induce 13 swings-and-misses in his NLDS start, he was only able to induce seven against the Mets. Six of those whiffs came on his change-up while a lone one came on his sinker.

The Mets took Game 3 5-2 en route to sweeping the Cubs in four games.

Chicago Cubs v. New York Mets – NLCS Game 3

Schedule