There’s no one way to predict a World Series victor, but we do know that teams can position themselves to have a better chance-like the Cubs have done this year, with the best record in baseball and the 20-25 percent odds they now hold.
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That’s not to say winning the World Series isn’t important, because of course it is, especially to the legions of Cubs fans who have never seen their team do it, and have had to spend their whole lives hearing about billy goats, black cats and Steve Bartman. “We want to win ballgames”. The Cubs are due to retool after next season and we can’t know just how good they’ll be until we get there.
He started the fourth inning by allowing a solo homer to Keon Broxton on a full-count fastball over the heart of the plate.
That included using closer Tyler Thornburg for four outs, including a very hard one to close the eighth inning. “It was obviously, with where they’re at, there was great energy in the park tonight”. Sure, enjoy the division crown, but its World Series or bust for the most talented team in the league.
Los Angeles’ division lead was trimmed to four games when second-place San Francisco beat St. Louis. But there was a loud cheer in the Wrigleyville neighborhood when the West Coast game concluded, and several people honked their auto horns.
There are a number of reasons Chicago won the National League Central this year, including the guiding presence of three-time Manager of the Year Joe Maddon. I think we’re rightfully proud of the regular season we’ve had and that’s meaningful.
And the reserves – and one regular – delivered in a game that turned into a playoff-like atmosphere with a Cubs comeback in the ninth inning that was completed in the 10th thanks to Miguel Montero’s walkoff home run in a 5-4 victory in front of 40,823 at Wrigley Field. The 2015 American League Most Valuable Player went 3-for-3, hit two doubles, walked twice and scored twice. Justin Grimm took the loss in relief. Gennett then batted for Nelson and drove a curveball the other way, down the left-field line for a two-run double.
“I just love the connection to the city”, said fan Chris Wilkinson. The 23-year-old settled for a no-decision Sunday at St. Louis despite holding the Cardinals to one run and five hits over 7 1/3 innings.
“That was pretty awesome”, Thornburg said.
It’s always hard to get inside a team’s head one day after wrapping up a playoff spot. “I can not even imagine us being in this position right now without him”.
The Milwaukee Brewers don’t have much of a season left to be spoilers but they have played the better competition tough.
ORIOLES 1, RED SOX 0: Mark Trumbo hit his major league-leading 42nd home run, Kevin Gausman outpitched Rick Porcello over eight innings and Baltimore pulled within a game of AL East-leading Boston. Counsell would like to get Blazek into some games before the end of the season, but said there’s no rush.
The Cubs, who indeed had a target on their back all season, mocked anyone who dared try to harm their World Series chances. “It’s not far off”.
The Cubs showed a highlight video before Friday’s game against Milwaukee, and then the players and coaches took the field to wave their caps to the cheering crowd.
Milwaukee AB R H BI BB SO Avg.
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Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs, 3:05 p.m. 2B – Santana 2 (11), Arcia (6), Gennett (25), Heyward 2 (24). Jorge Soler has essentially played a half-season, showing off his natural power (12 homers) without ripping off the injury-prone label. His ERA now sits at 4.47 on the season, putting him firmly in the “solid back end starter category”.
