Chicago Cubs: Jon Lester’s five best starts as a Cub

Chicago Cubs: He came just shy of history, but in the end, it was still a gem

2016 was the best season for Lester as a Cub. In the regular season, he pitched to a 2.44 ERA, 3.41 FIP, 8.7 K/9 and a 1.02 WHIP in 32 starts. He had two complete games and 15, which he went 7.0+ innings. The one that stood out took place at Wrigley Field on September 2nd against the Giants.

He did not strikeout nearly the most hitters in this game compared to others, only four, but he did flirt with a no-hitter. With two outs in the seventh inning, Lester had not yet surrendered a hit and was facing Hunter Pence. On a 1-2 pitch, Pence hit the ball out of the ballpark to end the no-hitter and shutout. However, Lester still finished the game as the Cubs won 2-1.

While Lester pitched a complete game against the Dodgers with more strikeouts, this one gets the nod over that start because of how far he took the no-hitter. Lester threw 102 pitches in this game got 11 groundballs and 15 flyballs.

Final Line: 9.0 IP / 1 R / 1 ER / 2 BB / 4K