Lester with impressive 3-hitter vs. Giants |
CHICAGO - The Cubs defeated the San Francisco Giants 2-1 on a beautiful 73 degree Friday afternoon at historic Wrigley Field. The Cubs lead the major leagues with 50 wins against teams with a .500 or better record and have a 16 game lead in the National League Central Standings. The Cubs' magic number to make the playoffs is now at 14.
The storyline of the day was Jon Lester's dominance over the Giants' hitters as he had a no-hitter through 6 2/3 inning but it was broken up with Pence's solo homer to left field in the seventh inning. Lester has 13 career no-hit bids of at least five innings, most among active pitchers according to Elias Sports. The last Cubs' no-hitter at Wrigley Field was Milt Pappas 44 years ago on September 2, 1972 against the San Diego Padres. Lester finished the game with a three-hit shutout giving up the solo homer, two walks, and three strikeouts. It was his 22 quality start this season which ties him for the major league lead. Grandpa Ross started the Cubs offensive attack with an RBI-double on a line drive to left fielder Angel Pagan to score Javier Baez in the third inning to put the Cubs up 1-0. Dexter Fowler followed up in the inning with an RBI-single to score Ross to make it 2-0 Cubs. Lester completed the game for the 3-hitter and saved the bullpen arms in the process. Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta will take the mound against lefty Madison Bumgarner in a big-time pitching matchup on Saturday at 1:20 pm CT. Another flawless day at the Friendly Confines. https://t.co/IjXTpWuIK0 (Via MLB Fans) pic.twitter.com/OGPmharUbz A one, a two... @realjonlovitz nails the 7th inning stretch. pic.twitter.com/RXRjhXK1Nt At today's game? 50/50 Raffle proceeds help support pediatric cancer research and programs. https://t.co/MGeyZm81Go?? pic.twitter.com/6diIt1yATv
