The Chicago Cubs rolled over everyone they played during the 2016 regular season. It wasn't until the hit the playoffs and especially the World Series that the team started to take on the mantle of the Cardiac Cubs. It appears the franchise likes that nickname just fine, as they have continued to earn it, winning their last three games in come from behind fashion.
Even more impressive than the late rallies is the fact the defending world champs have won their last two games with big home runs in the 9th inning. On Thursday night, it was a three-run bomb by Addison Russell to carry the club over the Milwaukee Brewers.
This time around it was Anthony Rizzo who blasted a three-run shot in the top of the ninth against the Cincinnati Reds. Rizzo came up with two out and two on and clubbed a Michael Lorenzen pitch over the wall. In the 11th inning, a Kris Bryant sac fly gave the Cubs all they needed to win again.
Overcoming a bad night from Lester
Cubs' opening day starter Jon Lester had been as solid as they come in the early part of the season, but he hit a bit of a rough patch on Friday night. After the Cubs got on the board first thanks to Jason Heyward's first home run of the season, Lester surrendered three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. In the top of the fifth, the Cubs attempted to stage yet another comeback with a run in that half of the frame but Lester gave it right back.
In the sixth inning, Joe Maddon decided it was time to turn the game over to the bullpen. Jason Grimm allowed an inherited runner to score, another run charged to Lester, but was otherwise solid and the rest of the Cubs pen shut down the Reds, all the way through the 11th inning when Wade Davis recorded his fourth save. After a poor spring, Davis has looked exactly like the pitcher Chicago wanted.
The Chicago Cubs' newest closer has appeared in nine games, going four for four in save opportunities, without allowing an earned run and also going 2-0.
Cardiac Chicago Cubs
This recent streak of comebacks has put the Cubs alone in first place for the first time in 2017. The team had previously shared first after they started the season 2-1 and 4-2.
While the team's fans would likely love to see the team open the game with a lead and keep that lead, a win, is a win, is a win. At 9-7, the franchise has taken a half game lead on both the Reds and the Brewers.
No quit in @ARizzo44. #ThatsCub pic.twitter.com/Ab7cPj8EVV
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 22, 2017
The other usual Central division powers, St. Louis and Pittsburgh are both struggling in the early going. The Pirates are currently 7-9 and the Cardinals are in last place at 6-10 on the season.