Cubs: You can’t squash the hope that lives in Cubs fans’ hearts

As I watched the end of the game against Atlanta Friday night, I couldn’t help but envision success. Though the Cubs were down 5-2 in the ninth, and there were two outs, the bases were loaded with Cubs. I saw that we could still pull out a victory.

Joc Pederson, representing the winning run, was at the plate. Pederson is a a definite home run threat – just look what he did this spring in the Cactus League. Even if he managed to hit a double the Cubs should be able to tie the game. That would give them a chance to win in extra innings.

He struck out. So much for hope.

Meanwhile, at another park…

I have lived in Arizona for nearly sixty years, moving here from Illinois while in my teens. Often, after watching the North Siders, I will turn on the local team’s game, the Diamondbacks, to see how they are doing. Last night they were locked in a nothing-nothing tie with the Nationals late in the game.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs should keep close eye on non-tender candidate Cody Bellinger
• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shot
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups

In the ninth, the Nationals were down to their last out. Then a dramatic home run, hit by a lefty, off a left-handed pitcher, lifted them to victory. You can see this coming, can’t you? It was Kyle Schwarber who hit the winning blast.

The irony was not lost to me, the Schwarbs hits a game winning home run batting against a lefty, something he was rarely allowed to do while with the Cubs. Meanwhile, the player the Chicago acquired to replace Kyle, was offered a similar opportunity with a much less satisfying result.

Cubs hitters need help

Pederson had managed a scratch hit in the game, allowing him to avoid dropping below a .100 batting average. But he left six men on base, three of them in the ninth while striking out against a left-handed pitcher on a 2-2 count.

By this season’s end, I hope that I will be able to look back on this post as sour grapes. It is my fondest wish that he goes on to have a successful year, that he wins a few games with his bat, and that Chicago overcomes its awful start.

I wish you well this year Schwarbs; here’s one life-long Cubs fan who misses your winning smile. There are a lot of games yet to be played, but right now, I’m left thinking of what might have been.