Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Infield collision ends perfect bid by Cubs' Smyly

Written by 
Published in Baseball
Friday, 21 April 2023 18:56

CHICAGO -- Drew Smyly and Yan Gomes tumbled to the grass under a sunny sky at a picturesque Wrigley Field. Reclining on his side for one brief moment, Smyly grinned.

It was over, but it was a really fun afternoon for the Chicago Cubs.

Smyly lost his bid for a perfect game when he collided with his catcher while trying to field an eighth-inning dribbler that went for an infield single in a 13-0 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday.

"That's a tough way to end it," Smyly said. "You feel like you're really close."

Nico Hoerner, Cody Bellinger, Trey Mancini and Patrick Wisdom homered as Chicago won for the fifth time in six games. Hoerner finished with four hits and four RBIs, and Wisdom and Mancini each drove in three runs.

Leaning heavily on his fastball and curveball, Smyly (2-1) struck out 10 and walked none in 7 2/3 innings. He threw 68 of his season-high 103 pitches for strikes.

"Amazing performance," Cubs manager David Ross said. "That was fun to watch."

David Peralta accounted for Los Angeles' only baserunner against Smyly on a 32.9 mph leadoff bouncer in the eighth that trickled between third base and the mound. Smyly and Gomes each went for the grounder, and the catcher tumbled over the pitcher as the left-hander picked up the ball.

"It just came to the point where both of us wanted it. He got to it before I did," Gomes said while wearing a Northwestern University football helmet with a Cubs emblem on one side. "I'm not as quick as I used to be trying to jump out of the way and I just ended up riding him and becoming a cool picture."

Smyly was checked by Ross and an athletic trainer, but he stayed in the game. He retired Miguel Vargas on a popup to third and struck out James Outman before he was replaced by Jeremiah Estrada.

The 33-year-old Smyly received a thunderous ovation from the crowd of 30,381 as he made his way to the dugout.

"Pitching here at Wrigley Field is so special," Smyly said. "It's so awesome. Every single game the atmosphere is just off the charts."

There have been 23 perfect games, including Don Larsen's in the World Series. Seattle's Félix Hernández pitched the last in 2012.

Smyly also beat Los Angeles with 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball in his previous start. He said Friday's pregame bullpen session was the worst one that he could remember.

"I told Yan before the game, 'Sometimes those can be your best games,'" Smyly said.

Estrada finished a one-hitter for Chicago. Nick Madrigal robbed Jason Heyward with a diving grab at second base for the final out.

The Cubs became the second team to score double-digit runs six times in its first 19 games, matching the 1885 Chicago White Stockings.

The Dodgers lost for the fourth time in six games. Julio Urías (3-2) allowed five runs and seven hits in 3 1/3 innings after losing to the Cubs in his previous start.

"I think today was just, across the board, just wasn't very good," manager Dave Roberts said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Read 87 times

Soccer

Everton's fight to stay in the Premier League: 'You take the knocks, but you keep fighting'

Everton's fight to stay in the Premier League: 'You take the knocks, but you keep fighting'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLIVERPOOL, England -- Sylvester Stallone is an Everton supporter an...

Maradona's children want remains in mausoleum

Maradona's children want remains in mausoleum

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsChildren of the late soccer star Diego Maradona have asked a court...

Sources: Man United leading race to sign Olise

Sources: Man United leading race to sign Olise

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsManchester United are considered front-runners to sign Michael Olis...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Toppin, McConnell help Pacers eliminate Bucks

Toppin, McConnell help Pacers eliminate Bucks

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsINDIANAPOLIS -- T.J. McConnell and Obi Toppin complemented one anot...

'Frustrating': Lillard laments injuries after loss

'Frustrating': Lillard laments injuries after loss

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsINDIANAPOLIS -- After spending the hours leading up to Game 6 getti...

Baseball

Bally Sports channels pulled off air by Comcast

Bally Sports channels pulled off air by Comcast

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBally Sports channels carried by the distributor Comcast went dark...

Orioles' Bradish gives up 1 run in season debut

Orioles' Bradish gives up 1 run in season debut

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBaltimore Orioles right-hander Kyle Bradish was reinstated from the...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated