Chicago Cubs News: Cubs get the win, but Bryant hit in face

The Chicago Cubs pulled out a 9-7 win to sneak away with the series. But Kris Bryant was hit in the face in the 1st inning and would have to leave the game.

The Chicago Cubs lost Kris Bryant on an up and in heater in the first inning that got away from German Marquez. It clipped hip in the glasses, which honestly, may have prevented him from further injury. He did, however, leave the game as he was stunned a bit by it. David Bote came in to replace him.

If there’s anything you need to know about this game, it’s Albert Almora. The man was on fire in the field, making three Gold Glove plays in centerfield. He was and is the man in the middle–and possibly staying that way. Javier Baez took another ball deep and drove in two more to raise his total to three, giving the league leader 23 RBI. Charlie Blackmon and Nolan Arenado hit back-to-back home runs in the fifth, cutting the lead to 6-4. But that’s as close as they’d come as the Cubs earned the victory.

There is a lot said about Joe Maddon. Some good, some not. But since he came to the Chicago four years ago, he’s been a franchise changer. The Cubs had gone 108 years without a title. They hadn’t been to the playoffs in consecutive years since the late-2000’s. Yet here they are going for a fourth-straight NLCS–and hopefully, another World Series–and people can only–complain? You might not like all he does, but there needs to be credit where it’s due.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Cubs earn series win over Rockies’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Maddon has been a franchise changer’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Could it be time to call up Gimenez? – Cubbies Crib

‘Contreras notices letup in Darvish’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Trout taking from Jordan–sort of’ – MLB.com

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Next: Bote gets the call

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