Chicago Cubs Down Dodgers on Anthony Rizzo Walk Off Hit: Recap, Highlights and More

The Chicago Cubs won their home opener 3-2 over the Los Angeles Dodgers on an Anthony Rizzo walk off single. It was truly a night that nobody will soon forget.

It began and ended with a celebration. After a two-hour rain delay, the Chicago Cubs raised their 2016 World Series Championship banner and let it fly high above Wrigley Field. Anthony Rizzo then led his team to the field holding the World Series trophy for all of the Cubbie faithful to see. He later led his team to an incredible victory.

The pregame ceremonies for Opening Night at Wrigley were unforgettable (seriously, check them out), but the game was just as good.

After the long rain delay and the extended pregame festivities, it was always going to be a late night at Wrigley. Chicago Cubs ace Jon Lester got his team started right, going six innings, giving up only four hits, one walk and one run. Lester struck out seven Dodgers.

The Cubs took the lead in the third inning when Kyle Schwarber walked with two outs and scored from first base on a Kris Bryant double. The Cubs extended their lead to 2-0 on a Jon Lester RBI fielder’s choice in the fourth.

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The Dodgers fought back, scoring once on a Corey Seager double in the sixth. Carl Edwards Jr. struggled with control after relieving Lester in the seventh, giving up the bases loaded with nobody out. Joe Maddon went to Justin Grimm who Joc Peterson to fly out and Andrew Toles to hit into an inning-ending double play. Grimm got out of the tough situation without giving up a run.

Unfortunately, the Dodgers did tie up the game in the eighth inning, scoring on an Addison Russell throwing error on a play that could have been a double play. Russell probably just should have held the ball but he threw it away and the Dodgers tied the game.

In a tie game with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Anthony Rizzo stepped to the plate. Rizzo is the Cubs captain and he came through in the clutch, lacing a line drive single to left field, scoring Jon Jay for the walk off win. What a night.

Highlights

Bryant’s RBI double.

Javy Baez making a tough play look easy.

Willson Contreras makes a good play to get the Cubs out of a jam.

Rizzo walks it off!

Three Stars

Anthony Rizzo: 1-4, Walk off RBI Single

Rizzo may have been 1-4 on the night, but his one was unforgettable. A perfect ending to a perfect night on the North Side.

Jon Lester: 6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 7 K, 1 BB

Lester did not have his best stuff on Monday night. That being said, he put up a great pitching line and kept the Cubs in the game. He is a bonafide ace who the Chicago Cubs can count on in any big moment.

Justin Grimm: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R

The biggest moment in this game was when Justin Grimm came in to lock the Dodgers down in the seventh inning. The Cubs did give up the lead an inning later, but Grimm shutting them down with the bases loaded and nobody out was absolutely massive.

Next: Jason Heyward Proving Doubters Wrong

Next Game

After a well-deserved off day on Tuesday, the Cubs and Dodgers will get back at it on Wednesday. John Lackey will take the mound for the Cubs and he will be opposed by Brandon McCarthy. Before the game, the Cubs will be presented with their World Series Championship ring. I bet the Dodgers are getting pretty tired of pregame ceremonies.