The Chicago Cubs beat the Cleveland Indians at Wrigley Field Tuesday not, or maybe we should say the Tribe beat themselves.
In the ninth inning, Indians’ pitcher Nick Wittgren hit Willson Contreras to load the bases. His control faltered again when he hit the next batter, Cameron Maybin, to send Kris Bryant home with the winning run.
The Cubbies, of course, helped themselves with some fine play including this defensive gem by right fielder Jason Heyward.
Pitcher Yu Darvish did not get the win as he gave up a season high nine hits. He did, however, continue to strike batters out at a high rate.
In every game he’s pitched this season he’s had at least a strikeout per inning. In fact, in his ten starts this year, Darvish has nine games were he’s averaged more strikeouts than innings pitched.
The Cubs’ magic number is now ten and their lead over the St. Louis Cardinals swelled to five games as they were pummeled by the Brewers 18-3.