Once again Joe Madden revised lineup did not disappoint. The Chicago Cubs new lead off hitter Willson Contreras saw 5 pitches and hit the one he liked out of the ball park for a 1-0 lead. Not to be overshadowed by his bat he also threw out runner at first base in the bottom of the third inning. The Cubs starting pitcher Eddie “The Eagle’ Butler (4-2 3.71 ERA) shut out the Nationals before being pulled with a a 1-0 lead in the sixth inning. He gave up just 4 hits, no runs and one strikeout.
.@Butler4Life exits with a 1-0 lead after five shutout frames. pic.twitter.com/wtQQdW4dE2
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 27, 2017
Javy “The Human Highlight Real” Baez was flashing leather all around the Nationals ballpark. The Washington Nationals fans where even impressed with his theatrics. He was everywhere refusing to give up on balls and made some tremendous plays. He did his best Superman impression flying in the air to snag a ball headed for left to rob Bryce Harper of a base hit in the third inning. Harper could not believe it and it showed on his face after the play was over. The second miraculous play of the night by Baez was one where he covered 132 feet to catch a foul ball off of Adam Linds bat to get the Cubs first out of the eighth inning.
Javy mercy. pic.twitter.com/cclJzyHy7W
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 27, 2017
The Washington Nationals were in jeopardy of being shut out for the first time this season, the NL East-leading Nationals scored four times in the ninth. Their comeback began against Hector Rondon and continued when Wade Davis entered. The ninth inning was a real nail biter. The Cubs pitching staff had to go through the heart of the Nationals line up and luckily for Cubs fans held on to record the “W”. Not sure if the next three games will be as heart stopping as todays but lets just hope they all end with the boys in blue leaving Washington with a much needed series win. Jake Arrieta (7-5 ,4.36 ERA) versus Max Scherzer (8-5. 2.09 ERA) 6:05 pm start central time.
.@WContreras40 homers, @javy23baez wows on defense as #Cubs win opener vs. Nats.
Recap: https://t.co/mouyBlXYek pic.twitter.com/z5xGXTktOM
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 27, 2017
