National League Divisional Series
St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs
http://gty.im/492500208
A lot of firsts have happened recently for the Cubs. With a 6-4 win over St. Louis, another was added on Tuesday. For the first time in the history of Wrigley Field, a playoff series has been clinched at home. In the same fashion as their previous two wins in the series, Chicago took an early lead and was able to fend off any Cardinals rally.
Starting for Chicago, Jason Hammel went only three innings, allowing two earned runs in the first inning on a Stephen Piscotty home run that brought in Matt Carpenter. No other Cubs pitcher went over 1 inning in this game.
[iframe id=”http://m.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=522655083&topic_id=6479266&width=400&height=224&property=mlb” autoplay=”no” maxwidth=”400″]
As has been the fashion in this series, it was not long before Chicago counter-punched. This response came shortly after, in the bottom of the second. With Starlin Castro on second and Kyle Schwarber on first, it was Hammel who brought the Cubs first run home. On his single to center, Castro scored and Schwarber moved to second. The next batter, Javier Baez, electrified the stadium with a three run shot to right. In only two innings, John Lackey had already been hammered for four runs.
[iframe id=”http://m.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=522674083&topic_id=6479266&width=400&height=224&property=mlb” autoplay=”no” maxwidth=”400″]
The 4-2 score held for quite some time. In the top of the sixth, it was St. Louis’ time to fight back. With Jhonny Peralta on first and Jason Heyward on second, it would be Tony Cruz that hit a two out double that scored Heyward and put Peralta on third. On the very next at-bat, Brandon Moss, pinch-hitting for Adam Wainwright, singled to right. While Peralta scored, Cruz was was out at home on a great throw by Jorge Soler.
[iframe id=”http://m.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=522707183&topic_id=6479266&width=400&height=224&property=mlb” autoplay=”no” maxwidth=”400″]
This would be all the scoring for St. Louis, however. In the 6th and 7th respectively, Rizzo and Schwarber hit solo shots. This was a continuation of a common theme from this series, as Chicago’s big bats led the way to the 3-1 series win.
[iframe id=”http://m.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=522711983&topic_id=6479266&width=400&height=224&property=mlb” autoplay=”no” maxwidth=”400″]
Despite having the best record in baseball, this series came down to which team got hot at the right time. From the huge offensive show at the beginning of game two, the momentum was clearly on the side of the Cubs. Even when St. Louis was able to hit Cub ace Jake Arrieta in Game 3, they were unable to take advantage. They only aided Chicago by making key mistakes in big moments.
Player of the Game: Javier Baez
In all three Cubs wins, it has been difficult to choose a player of the game. No one man has carried this team through this NLDS. In game 4, however, it was Javier Baez’ home run that solidified the momentum on his team’s side. This series has been all about momentum, and Chicago’s stingy possession of it. Whenever St. Louis mounted offense, the Cubs always countered right away.
Cardinals Outlook
The Cardinals may have had the best record in baseball, but injuries have plagued this team. A few rookies had big moments in this series, and that is exactly what Mike Matheny’s team needs. Even with the NLDS exit, they aren’t going anywhere. This is still undoubtedly the best run franchise in baseball, and will continue to be a consistent playoff contender.
Cubs Outlook
If this team is not favored over their NLCS opponent, I will be shocked. If they meet the Dodgers, they have a distinct advantage. While LA has the pitching, there is no reliable bat on the offensive side. Chicago, on the other hand, has the pitching in Arrieta and Hammel, as well as the bats in Bryant, Rizzo, and several others. New York would be a tougher matchup, but I would still give the edge to Chicago, solely based on how hot this team is.