What You Need To Know: For the 12th time since 1913, the Cubs lost a nine-inning game despite drawing 10 or more walks. For the fourth time since 1913, the Cubs failed to score more than two runs despite drawing double-digit walks in a nine-inning game. The last time the latter occurrence happened was five days before WWII ended.
When the opposing pitchers issue that many free passes, it indicates that they are struggling. In fact, Padres starter Jarred Cosart was struggling. The Cubs loaded the bases in each of the first two innings, yet all they got was one two-run single. They couldn’t score in another bases-loaded rally in the seventh, either.
On the other hand, the Padres loaded the bases in the fourth and fifth inning, and they scored each time, including a grand slam.
Long story short, the Cluster Luck Monster punched Cubs in the face, like Bryce Harper did to Hunter Strickland, today.
Next Level: Entering today, opposing hitters torched Kyle Hendricks to a .288/.350/.521 slash line in the first time through the lineup. Those numbers had toned down to .157/.250/.300 in the second time through and .224/.269/.224 in the third time through, respectively.
Today things went the polar opposite for the Professor, as he retired first 10 batters, reaching a 1-2 count against seven of them. Yet he allowed eight of the following 11 to reach before being taken out after the fifth.
Top WPA Play: In the top of the first inning, after the Cubs loaded the bases with a pair of walks and a hit batsman, Jason Heyward drove in two with a single (+.174 WPA), which was the hardest-hit ball (109.1 MPH) put in play in the entire game. Though, who knew it would be the only runs the Cubs would score.
Bottom WPA Play: In the bottom of the fourth inning after loading the bases by surrendering a pair of unfortunate base hits, one of which was a Yangervis Solarte grounder with a robust 9 percent hit probability, and hitting Ryan Schimpf, Hendricks made a fatal mistake. It was a 87-miles-per-hour fastball left up in the zone, which Hunter Renfroe crushed for a grand slam (-.355 WPA). That was all the Padres needed.
Lead photo courtesy Jake Roth—USA Today Sports