When the Cubs signed Jon Lester to a $155 million deal — $160 million if you count David Ross’ two-year deal to be his personal catcher — before the 2015 season, it was with moments like this in mind.
Scoreless games on cold nights in the fall. That’s when you want Lester on the mound and Ross behind the plate.
“The synergy between them is incredible,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said.
Lester earned the Game 1 start and he deserved the win, pitching eight scoreless innings in the Cubs’ 1-0 win over San Francisco on Friday night in the opening game of the National League Division Series.