CINCINNATI — If there was once any concern that Jon Lester wouldn’t be able as soon as the season began, the veteran left-hander did his perfect Monday evening to ease the ones fears.
Lester adopted Tyler Chatwood’s stellar day out Sunday with one among his personal by means of throwing 5 no-hit innings in his season debut in opposition to the Reds at Great American Ball Park — an 8-7 Cubs win once they just about squandered leads of 7-Zero and 8-1. They took an 8-Five lead into the 9th, however Craig Kimbrel let two runs pass within the 9th with the bases loaded to make it 8-7, hitting Freddy Galvis with a pitch after which strolling Tyler Stephenson. Jeremy Jeffress then struck out Phillip Ervin and were given Joey Votto to line out to heart to finish the sport.
The Cubs let Lester take his time to increase whilst operating himself again into recreation form all over summer season camp. After a forged day out within the ultimate exhibition recreation, he appeared sharp once more dealing with the Reds, pitching to touch and depending on his protection. He precipitated 4 floor outs and 6 fly outs over 76 pitches, struck out one and walked one.
The beginning rotation has been an early brilliant spot for the Cubs, whose starters are 3-1 with 1.50 ERA, 23 strikeouts and simply 3 walks via 4 video games.
Contreras sees 2016-level Hendricks
Right-hander Kyle Hendricks’ Opening Day efficiency Friday in opposition to the Brewers — a complete-game shutout — stuck the eye of now not simply Cubs fanatics however his catcher, Willson Contreras.
Contreras sees one thing acquainted in Hendricks that may be a harbinger of fine issues to return for the Cubs this season.
“I told Kyle . . . after the game that I’m seeing Kyle from 2016,” Contreras mentioned. “The miles per hour came back. [On Friday], he was throwing 88, 89. I believe that helps more than 84, 85. His changeup got much better from last year to this year. Kyle has the kind of changeup that helps him way more than the curveball or the sinker. . . . He’s the best I’ve seen in four years.”
That’s top reward for Hendricks, who had the most productive 12 months of his profession in 2016. He went 16-Eight that season with a major-league-leading 2.16 ERA in 30 begins and began Game 7 of the World Series.
Ross issues to his telephone, his circle of relatives
Manager David Ross will at all times be mindful his first win as a supervisor Friday. So will his family and friends.
“I hadn’t gotten that many text messages since Game 7 of the World Series [in 2016] — there’s no doubt about that,” Ross mentioned. “I think I’m on upwards of 150 now.”
In addition to the calls and texts, Ross gained a pleasing present from starter Jon Lester, the sport ball from shortstop Nico Hoerner and Friday’s lineup card. But the most productive section was once simply arriving house after the sport.
“It’s a lot of stress coupled with anxiousness, and just a lot going on leading up to [Friday],” Ross mentioned. “And then getting home and my mom, dad and all my kids being there — I mean, that’s rewarding.”