The Cubs looked lifeless the last two games, and that’s not just a fan’s perspective. Theo Epstein admitted Thursday morning that his team’s effort of late has been disappointing and embarrassing. Chicago was in desperate need of a quality pitching performance after losses, and Yu Darvish was there to deliver.
In a manner befitting his title as World’s Greatest Leadoff Hitter, Anthony Rizzo walked to open the game against Dinelson Lamet. Kyle Schwarber singled to move Rizzo to third and Kris Bryant hit a sacrifice fly to put the Cubs up 1-0.