Stroman on near no-hitter against Rays: “This was special” |
CHICAGO - The Cubs may finally be getting back on track after their 1-0 shutout win versus the Tampa Bay Rays who currently have the best record in the MLB at 39-17. Pitcher
Marcus Stroman led them to this victory, pitching all nine innings and only allowing one hit.
To have that kind of performance in front of the home crowd at Wrigley Field was something truly special for Stroman. “I felt great. I think it’s just the steps I’ve been making mechanically, adjustments in between innings, in between games. I feel like it’s just things starting to come together,” Stroman said. “This was special. This was like an amazing moment for me. Truly just grateful, really grateful, for all the fans.” As you could imagine in a 1-0 game, it took a while for either team to score. The lone run of the whole game came in the bottom of the fourth inning when left fielder Mike Tauchman hit a sacrifice fly to deep right field that allowed right fielder Seiya Suzuki to score. Stroman also came very close to having the first-ever no-hitter in the 153-year history of the Chicago Cubs. The one hit he allowed came in the top of the seventh inning when shortstop Wander Franco of the Rays singled to center field. However, his shutout yesterday was the first shutout he has pitched since his rookie year in 2014; it is only the second time in his career that Stroman has had this feat. Regarding the no-hitter up until the seventh, Stroman did not even know because he had just been focusing on staying in the game and not letting his emotions get the best of him. “I didn’t even know I had it, to be honest with you,” Stroman explained. “I’m truly focusing on my body and my mind each and every pitch and in between innings, and when I do that, I’m usually pretty good. I try to stay out of getting too excited or letting myself get, kind of, out of my zone because when I do, I feel like my mechanics and my pitches are off.” Of course, any successful pitcher also needs a catcher who is on top of things, and Stroman states that he has that in catcher Tucker Barnhart. Barnhart has also made some contributions in the batting game, recording three runs batted in (RBIs) this season. The Cubs other catcher, Yan Gomes, has made more of an impact in the batting game with six home runs and 19 RBIs, as well as a stolen base. Both catchers have contributed to the Cubs’ scheme in unique ways, allowing Stroman to be successful in his pitching. “I’m very confident in my catchers,” Stroman stated. “Any pitch he throws down, like I said, if I execute, I feel like I have a pretty good chance. So, very thankful for Tucker back there. He’s locked in every single pitch, and you can tell that.” Their win against the Rays marked the first time in a week that the Cubs had a victory against a team with a winning record; the last time was a 7-2 victory versus the New York Mets back on Tuesday, May 23, when the Mets had a 25-24 record. Given the poor performance of the team as of late, as well as dropping to fourth in the NL Central, this is something they needed. “We just needed a stop and kind of get things going. I think we’ve been on a little skid, not necessarily anything I’m worried about. Like I said, baseball’s a game of trends and ups and downs,” Stroman argued. “But, I think it should hopefully give us a little momentum knowing that we can play with anyone, knowing that, like I said, we’re capable of beating any team in the league.” Right now, the NL Central is one of the easiest divisions in the league. The Milwaukee Brewers are currently top in the division with a 28-25 record, which is quite weak. Compared to the AL East, the strongest division currently by record, the Brewers would be tied for last with that record. Thus, the fact that the Cubs are sitting at No. 4 in their division, five games off the league, should be quite concerning. However, Stroman doesn’t pay attention to that because if you are worried about the performance of other teams, you are not focused on your own performance. “Personally, I don’t look at the division at all,” Stroman said. “I’m not someone who's conscious of. I think that’s too much to worry about. We’re trying to focus on what we have here and performing. If we start to be worried about other teams and records, I think that might take you out of your zone.” This three-game series against the Rays will continue later today (7:05 p.m./MSN) with left-hander Shane McClanahan starting for the Rays. He has an 8-0 record so far this season. Conversely, righty Kyle Hendricks will be starting for the Cubs and he has not won a game yet this season. The series concludes on Wednesday, May 31 (1:30 p.m./MSN) with right-hander Zach Eflin starting for Tampa Bay and lefty Justin Steele starting for Chicago. Are you not entertained? pic.twitter.com/Rhj2TFa5UK This gives me the chills. Grateful for the home crowd! @Cubs @_shugo pic.twitter.com/u823n1LhsY Post-game pool session with my dawg! @Brando_Hugs pic.twitter.com/CuRkk03WUr “Going CG at Wrigley, that’s one of the top moments of my career.” Marcus Stroman had career-best 20 swinging strikes in today's shutout vs. Rays. His previous best was 18 (twice in 2019). pic.twitter.com/vHjen7iU9P Ross on Stroman's one-hit shutout to end the Cubs' four-game losing streak: "He's a star that likes to shine bright. And he does that on this stage in this stadium in front of these fans and in big-time moments. He's done nothing but do that since he's been here."
Marcus Stroman on today’s performance. pic.twitter.com/fcCI91KAt1
