Chicago Cubs: Kyle Hendricks’ postseason starts in review

Chicago Cubs v. Cleveland Indians – World Series Game 3

With the series tied at one game apiece and the series shifting back to Wrigley Field, Hendricks took the mound. He faced Cleveland Indians starter Josh Tomlin.

Through five innings, no runs were scored. Both starting pitchers failed to make it past the fifth despite tossing dueling shut-outs. Tomlin was lifted after 4 2/3 innings of two-hit ball. He struck out just one Cub batter and walked one. Hendricks was equally as good.

Over 4 1/3 innings, Hendricks notched six strikeouts and allowed six hits and two walks. A high pitch count would spell the end of Hendricks’ night as he threw 85 pitches, 51 for strikes.

With the game tied in the seventh, Carl Edwards allowed an RBI single to Coco Crisp. That would prove to be the difference in the Indians’ 1-0 win.

Even though Hendricks did not make it past the fifth inning, the right-hander pitched well. Hendricks was able to mix his four pitches with his fourseam fastball leading the way, followed by his sinker and change-up. On those three pitches, Hendricks was able to induce ten whiffs, half of them with his fastball.

This loss put the Cubs down 2-1 in the series. With an Indians’ win in Game 4, the Cubs would find themselves in a 3-1 hole. Despite having their backs against the wall, the Cubs refused to give up. Oh and by the way, Hendricks was in line to make another start.