Early in Friday’s TBS broadcast, Cubs manager Joe Maddon noted that Kyle Hendricks’ fastball velocity was up noticeably. That’ll happen when you’re starting Game 1 of the National League Division Series against one of the best lineups in the game. There’s probably a little adrenaline going.
That uptick in fastball velocity gave him a nice gap between his changeup, which obviously worked to the righty’s advantage. The more separation you can get between your fastball and your off-speed pitch, the better. That separation allowed Hendricks to avoid his curveball almost entirely in Friday’s 3-0 win, operating as a two-pitch pitcher through seven brilliant innings.
Remember the 90 mph fastball: Kyle Hendricks' velocity was up Friday and now, so are the Cubs
