Cubs' Drew Smyly loses perfect game vs. Dodgers in most gutting way possible

It was probably going to be a hit ... wasn't it? David Peralta's dribbler had found grass, rolling three feet forward at a -42 degree launch angle, and was poised to ruin Drew Smyly and the Cubs' day (well, as much as you can ruin a 13-0 laugher) regardless of where it landed. Probably.

But, the worst part is, we'll never know. Doubt will always remain.

As beautiful as baseball can be, when the sun is baking the field and the clouds have departed (presumably angered by the introduction of the pitch clock), it can be equally cruel.

That cruelty is what both Smyly and Yan Gomes experienced on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field.

With six outs to go before securing a perfect game, Smyly induced a soft ground ball from Peralta, a late-game defensive replacement for the Dodgers (and isn't that how it always happens?). Both Smyly and Gomes converged on the ball, with the catcher attempting to stop short at the last moment. It didn't work, and the momentum of both men carried Gomes over Smyly's back.

Hit. First hit.

Cubs Drew Smyly loses perfect game on David Peralta dribbler vs Dodgers

There has never been a perfect game in Cubs history. There hasn't been a no-hitter at Wrigley Field since Milt Pappas twirled one in 1972. Sure, the Cubs have experienced a Carlos Zambrano no-no in a home game ... but that home game was played in Milwaukee following an evacuation at the end of the 2008 season.

Cruel, beautiful, etc.

Smyly has been on quite the run at home, allowing one earned run or fewer in his last eight starts at Wrigley Field. No matter how this one ended -- and it ended with a thud -- it was the most unforgettable of all. Standing ovation, in appreciation of the game's beauty, grace, and occasional distinct lack of both.