Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (5/9/22): Cubs 6, Padres 0 – Kyle Hendricks Masterful in Near-Complete Game Gem
The Cubs started off their West Coast trip with a bang in San Diego. Willson Contreras gave the Cubs a boost in the top of the 1st inning with a lead-off single, then Seiya Suzuki drove him in with a double into the left field corner.
Kyle Hendricks was the big story of the evening for the Cubs. After getting early run support he was on cruise control the rest of the night. Through six innings, Hendricks threw just 71 total pitches, 60 for strikes.
Hendricks took his masterpiece into the 9th and walked a batter with one out. After getting the second out, Effross came on to get the final out. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Won
Hendricks reminded us, once again, just how dominant he can be when he’s on. This start came at a crucial point too, with the bullpen overworked recently due to a lot of short outings by Cubs’ starters.
Key Moment
Patrick Wisdom and Yan Gomes both reached base on singles to start the 4th inning. Gore rebounded to strike out Frank Schwindel and got Nico Hoerner to fly out on a deep shot. Ian Happ’s single plated Wisdom and gave Hendricks breathing room to cruise home with the win.
Stats That Matter
- Contreras continues to be hot from the top of the order, reaching base four times on 3 singles and a HBP
- Hendricks was vintage: 8.2IP, 3H, 7K, 1 BB
- Happ’s having a very strong start to the season and he did not let up tonight: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2B
Bottom Line
On Deck
The Cubs are back at it tomorrow night against the Padres at 8:40pm CT. Wade Miley makes his Cubs debut against Mike Clevinger in a game available on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.