Cubs Clinch a Nail-Biter: A 9-8 Victory with Twists and Turns!

Win Probability went from 99% to 53% to a Surefire 100%

Cubs' Wild Ride to Victory!"

The Leadoff Man

Last night's Cubs game was a thrilling rollercoaster. We had a solid 8-3 lead heading into the 8th inning, but baseball's unpredictability turned it into an intense 9-8 finale.

Particularly memorable was Ian Happ’s encounter with a contentious third strike call in the 6th, capturing another poorly called game by Umpire CB Bucknor with Happ’s incredulous reaction. That’s exactly how I felt with Yency Almonte on the mound in the 8th inning for the Cubs.

The game’s narrow escape to a 9-8 victory not only provided an adrenaline rush but also highlighted areas needing attention, especially in maintaining leads and managing late-game pressures. As we move forward, these experiences are invaluable, offering lessons and strategies to refine as the season progresses.

Cubs Superfan Trivia 

Let’s have some fun here with a little bit of Cubs Superfan trivia.

The Bullpen Has Holes

Get ready for the epic entrance of Yency Almonte! Expect the unexpected and remember to breathe because when he steps onto the field, it's going to be a wild ride!

While the victory is sweet, it highlights a pressing concern: our bullpen's consistency. Yency Almonte's future seems uncertain with the Cubs, given he's out of minor league options. After a shaky start to the season, his tenure with the team hangs in the balance. It's a tough spot for the Cubs, emphasizing the need for strategic thinking and possibly some tough decisions in the near term. Strengthening our bullpen will be crucial as we navigate through April and May, aiming for a more stable and reliable lineup. I don’t see Yency Almonte as a member of the Cubs after May 1st.

Pitching Strategy: Playing Chess, Not Checkers

The Strategic Use of Luke Little & Ben Brown. Craig Counsell brought over the use of an “opener” from his days with the Brew Crew.

In an intriguing strategic maneuver, Luke Little was the opener for the Cubs, a rare move to start after his role as the closer just the night before. This decision went beyond merely showcasing Little's adaptability; it was a deliberate tactic to prompt the Rockies into stacking their lineup with right-handed hitters, only for the Cubs to counter with right-hander Ben Brown. This strategic pivot, highlighted by Little's high-velocity pitches, showcases the Cubs' innovative approach to game strategy. By rethinking traditional pitching roles, they gained a tactical edge. Additionally, this strategy limited the Rockies' "Heart" of the lineup to face Ben Brown only once or twice during his stint, further maximizing the tactical advantage.

The Closer

What a game last night, huh? Going into the 8th inning up by 5, I thought we had it locked down. But then, baseball happened. Just like that, we were biting our nails, and Adbert Azolay had to come in and save our skins. Fun? Sure. A bit too close for comfort? Definitely. Rewarding? Not as much as I'd hoped for a Cubs win, but we'll take it.

JD hit the nail on the head during the broadcast, saying a loss after leading like that would've been a tough one for the team to shake off. And after chatting about the team finding their identity yesterday, I gotta say, the offense is showing some serious promise.

Here’s to more wins, less stress, and sticking together through it all.

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