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In game one of this series, we saw one run scored through the first seven innings of a pitchers duel between John Lackey and Jon Lester. What we witnessed in game two was the polar opposite, with six runs coming across the plate in the first two innings, five of those for the visiting Chicago Cubs.
The matchup on the mound in this game was far more pedestrian than its predecessor. Jaime Garcia was rattled early and never got in a rhythm. Kyle Hendricks went only four and two thirds innings, allowing three earned runs, all coming by way of the long ball. He did, however, strike out seven in his relatively short outing. His trouble began with the very first at-bat of his night, as Matt Carpenter homered to center to give St. Louis a 1-0 lead.
Despite the one run first inning for the Cardinals, it was the Cubs five run second that was the decisive blow in the game. After this, St. Louis never fully recovered and was unable to regain the momentum they possessed in the series. It began with a sacrifice bunt from Hendricks. With men on first and third, Hendricks laid it down and brought Austin Jackson home and put Miguel Montero on third after an error by Garcia. Addison Russell then sacrificed as well, scoring Montero. After a Dexter Fowler base hit, Jorge Soler homered to center for the fourth and fifth runs of the inning. Garcia would not return the next inning, as he was replaced by Lance Lynn.
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Chicago scored their final run the very next inning. After being walked, then moved to third by a Starlin Castro single, Anthony Rizzo came across the plate on a Montero groundout. This would spell the end for Lynn, as he was pinch-hit for and replaced by Carlos Villanueva the following inning.
The Cardinals would answer back in the fifth, as Kolten Wong and Randal Grichuk homered to right and left respectively. These bombs put St. Louis back within striking distance at a three run deficit, but they could not capitalize and never mounted a serious threat in their remaining four chances.
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Hector Rondon came in to shut the door in the ninth, allowing only one man, Jason Heyward, to reach in the inning.
Player of the Game: Jorge Soler
While small ball ignited the big second for the Cubs, it was Soler’s blast to center that stretched the lead to five. A guy who has had an up and down season, he has came in strong in his 2-2 showing. Without his homerun, the momentum would not have swung so drastically in the second inning.
NLDS Game 3 (Series tied 1-1)
With two games in the books, the series now shifts to Chicago for two games. In game three, the Cubs will bring out Jake Arrieta, who has been unhittable in the last month. What made game two vital for St. Louis to win was the fact that they would be facing Arrieta on Monday. Michael Wacha, who has been one of the most reliable pitchers for Mike Matheny, will pitch for the Cardinals.
