Even still, the string of events that unfolded at Wrigley Field on Monday and Tuesday night at Wrigley Field felt like he was in a few sort of fever dream.
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The kid who spent years getting stuffed into lockers and having his lunch money stolen by the schoolyard bully of the National League Central finally stood up for himself and put the bully in his place on Tuesday night on the biggest stage possible.
For the first time in Wrigley Field’s 101-year history, the Chicago Cubs won a playoff series at home when they knocked off the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Division Series.
The Cubs are now headed to their first NL Championship Series since 2003, when they beat Atlanta in the NLDS, but later lost in seven games to the Marlins.
One might not blame him for forgetting the historical significance of what his team just pulled off about 20 minutes earlier but the first baseman was spot on with his memory.
They weren’t at any point in the series. Chicago won the best-of-five series in four games. “That’s never what we’ve aspired to do”. “We just have to continue to play like we play and more exciting things will come”. But losing is losing. “Hopefully if everything plays properly and we have another opportunity to play in another round he might be available at that time, but for sure not this one”.
The Cardinals earned the best record in the majors this season despite lengthy absences from Wainwright, Matt Holliday, Matt Adams and a host of other contributors.
“Obviously the focus of the organization over the last several years was to bring in young, talented guys who can really take us to the next level”, Ricketts said.
Regarded as one of the most talented and entertaining managers, the 61-year-old joined the Cubs back in November at a staggering $25 million contract.
“This is a team that was as impressive to watch from day one as any team I’ve ever been around”, he said. “If we lose in the NLCS, we still lose”.
“I will be shocked if they’re not in the World Series or winning it”, Piscotty said. That’s the ultimate goal.
The Cubs then returned it to its original location on top of the board and will leave it there until their postseason run has concluded. The pitching staff is made up of mostly veterans.
“It’s our first time clinching here”, is what he said next. The three hitters in the middle of the Cardinals’ order entered 22 for 52 (.423) against the Cubs’ righthander.
Rizzo, Jorge Soler and Dexter Fowler, with two each this month, could also move up the all-time Cub postseason home run list.
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6 – Home runs hit in Game 3 of the NLDS against the Cardinals, a postseason record.
