Steve Webb
CHICAGO, IL — Folks around Wrigleyville know all about what was called the “Sandberg Game,” a regular season game in which Cub second baseman Ryne Sandberg almost single handedly gave the Cubs a victory with big moment after big moment. It announced Sandberg’s ascension to superstar status, and was the beginning of his legend in the Windy City.
May I introduce you to the Outman Game? Okay, maybe it won’t end up being as epic and memorable as Sandberg’s heroics, but it was pretty damn cool nevertheless. Two homers, five RBI, and great plays in the field. I love me some James Outman.
Though the Outman bashes came later, it was Max Muncy who started the scoring, mashing his 8th homer of the year in the top of the 2nd inning to give the Dodgers a 1-0 lead. However, that lead was short-lived when old buddy Cody Bellinger smashed a solo shot of his own off starter Michael Grove in the bottom of the same inning to tie the score.
However, the Dodgers came right back in the next frame, courtesy of the aforementioned Mr. Outman. The Dodgers right fielder got into a 1-2 hole before Cub starter Javier Assad left a cutter a little too much over the plate. Outman made him pay, obliterating the pitch and sending it deep into the Chicago night. It’s was now 2-1 Dodgers.
However, the Dodgers got some bad news in the bottom of the fourth when Michael Grove had to be removed from the game with what was called a groin strain. It could be an IL stint in his future. Before Grove’s exit, the Cubs were able to tie the game up with a run in the fourth, and the score would remain knotted at 2-2 deep into the night.
Then came the glorious top of the 9th inning. After David Peralta and Miguel Vargas led off the inning with back-to-back singles, Jason Heyward worked a great 9-pitch at-bat into a walk to load the bases with one out. That brought up our boy James. He worked the count full against Cubs reliever Michael Fulmer before he got the pitch he wanted, but when he did, BOOM! A sweet compact swing that sent the ball over the right field fence for his second home run of the night, one that cleared the bases and put this game in the refrigerator for the visiting Dodgers.
It was great. Now, the Dodgers don’t seem to have heard of momentum, so they’ll probably lose again tomorrow, but for Thursday, this one felt really good.
Cans of Corn…
- In addition to the home runs, Outman had an outfield assist when he nabbed Trey Mancini at the plate.
- Speaking of right fielders, Mookie Betts, fresh off of paternity leave, came into the game late to play, of all things, shortstop. And what should he do but turn a double play on this first touch at the position in the Show? Turned a double play of course. Natch.
- Not sure what the Dodgers are going to do without Grove. Gonsolin and Pepiot are still on the shelf. Doc’s gonna need to get creative.
- Back to the front of the rotation for Julio Urias on Friday, the first of three straight day games at Wrigley. Drew Smyly will be throwing for the North Siders. 11:10 LA time start.
