Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/24/20): Cubs 3, Brewers 0 – Kyle Hendricks Spins CGSO on Opening Day

The Chicago Cubs finally played a regular season baseball game Friday as they opened the 2020 season at Wrigley Field. While it was far from normal, it was probably one of the most satisfying victories in recent memory, if only because we finally got to see real baseball being played in the Windy City.

The virtuoso performance Kyle Hendricks put on in front of the Wrigley faithful may have added to the vibe as well. Hendricks was locked in from the start, discarding one Brewer after another with a majestic arsenal of changeups, curveballs, and high heaters. If not for pesky Brewers shortstop Orlando Arcia in the 9-hole, Hendricks would have thrown a no-no to start the season. As it was, Cubs fans will take the complete game shutout.

The Cubs got a ton of good swings against Brewers starter Brandon Woodruff, but most were for naught as well-positioned fielders ate up hard contact. Fortunately, the Cubs got all they needed in the bottom of the 3rd when Ian Happ launched a bomb to straightaway centerfield after Nico Hoerner singled his way on.

Anthony Rizzo added on in the bottom of the 8th with a shot down the right field line, dropping to a knee on his follow-through. A good way to take the pressure off that back, I guess. (Box Score)

Why the Cubs Won

Hendricks was dominant without touching 90 mph on the radar gun, and the bats did just enough via the long ball.

Key Moment

When The Professor took the mound.

Stats That Matter

• 202. As in Marquee’s channel on Comcast. I know a ton of Chicagoans are as happy about that number as any others in this opener.
• 103 pitches from Hendricks in a complete game shutout on Opening Day. He did not walk a batter and struck out nine.
• David Ross is now 1-0 as a manager.
• Happ has played in two career season openers and has two homers in those games.

Bottom Line

The Cubs don’t have an off day until Day 18 of the season on August 10, so every pitcher who gets deep into a game will mean less stress on the bullpen and Ross. What a great way to start the strangest season ever.

On Deck

Tomorrow, the Cubs continue their opening homestand of the belated 2020 season against the Brew Crew as Yu Darvish takes the bump. Milwaukee will counter with right-hander Corbin Burnes in a game that starts at 12:05pm CT on FOX Sports. Get ready for animated fans.