Cubs Pitching Combines to Shut Down Dodgers, Win Streak at Six Games
It took until the fifth inning, but the Cubs (35-14) finally broke through against the funky delivery of Dodgers (27-25) left-hander Alex Wood (1-4, 3.99 ERA). Ben Zobrist singled — extending his hitting streak to 16 games — and scored the Cubs first run on an infield single by Jason Heyward. Jason then came around to score their second run on a double by Anthony Rizzo.
Jason Hammel (6-1, 2.09 ERA) left the game in the top of the third inning with a cramp in his right hamstring.
Jason Hammel is being evaluated after experiencing right hamstring cramping. pic.twitter.com/8oSaDXI1jO
— #VoteCubs (@Cubs) May 30, 2016
Travis Wood, who ended up with the win, came on in the third inning to take over for Hammel, who had given up only one hit, a bloop pop fly that was misplayed in what can only be described as a moment of confusion by Jason Heyward, Ben Zobrist and Javier Baez. Wood, Justin Grimm, Pedro Strop and Hector Rondon combined to finish out the game and hold the Dodgers hitless the rest of the way.
Cubs win the first game of the four-game set by the score of 2-0 (box score).
Stats that matter
- Cubs pitching was shut-down dominant – 9IP, 0R, 1H, 1BB, 11Ks
- Ben Zobrist is streakin’ – 1-for-3, 1R, 1BB
- Anthony Rizzo did some damage – 1-for-3 with an run scoring double
- Jason Heyward knocked in one with his run-scoring single – 1-for-4, 1R, 1RBI
Bottom line
The Cubs have now won six games in a row — that’s a win streak, ladies and gentleman. They’re playing quality baseball and it was great to see them win a close game tonight without having to blow the other team out to get the win.
Next up
The Cubs play the Dodgers tomorrow at 7:05 PM CDT. Jake Arrieta will take the ball for the Cubs as he goes for his 10th win of the year.