By Bob Zayas
The Chicago Cubs opened their 2019 season in the Lone Star State vs the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park and secured a win.
The Cubs won 95 games in 2018 which was good enough for a 2nd place spot in the National League Central Division and a chance to advance in the postseason as a Wild Card. However, they lost to the Colorado Rockies 2-1 in the Wild Card game.
In yesterday’s season opener, Cubs Manager Joe Maddon stacked the lineup with some Northside notables in 1B Anthony Rizzo, 3B Kris Bryant and SS Javy Baez.
Jon Lester took the mound for the Cubbies. Lester was 18-6 in 2018 with an ERA of 3.32.
The first score in the game came in the bottom of the third inning when Ranger’s SS Elvis Andrus hit a 398 ft 2 run homer to right/center field. In the top of the 4th inning, however, Baez countered Andrus’ homerun with a home run of his own to left field. It seemed that is all it took for the Cub’s bats to come alive in the 5th inning. The Cubbies scored 6 times in the 5th including Baez’s second home run in the game. Kris Bryant also homered in the 8th inning. Cubs never looked back and easily won the game 12 to 4.
The Cubbies had 13 hits and 11 RBIs. Lester got the win and his line for the game was 6IP, 4 hits, 2 earned runs and 3 K’s. His pitch count at 98 pitches, was a little high but the run support kept him in the game.
The Cubs home opener at Wrigley Field is slated for April 8th when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Comments