A seventh-inning meltdown put the Cubs on the brink of elimination after a stunning 5-1 loss to the Marlins at Wrigley Field yesterday. David Ross took some criticism for leaving Kyle Hendricks in the game to face Corey Dickerson, who went yard with two on to give Miami a two-run lead, but any manager should be able to trust his ace in that situation. Hendricks served up a first-pitch meatball, however, and Dickerson tattooed it.
In defense of those who questioned the Cubs manager, Hendricks had pitched four consecutive high-stress innings, and after surrendering singles to Miguel Rojas and Chad Wallach, perhaps it may have been the right time to make a call to the bullpen.