Chicago Cubs: Three takeaways from series win over Brewers
Let’s give this bullpen a lot of credit
When the Cubs struggled the first two weeks of this season, the team’s bullpen was the primary scapegoat for the losses. It made sense because there were several relievers on this team who struggled early.
Reliever Carl Edwards Jr. was demoted to AAA Iowa in April after struggling with his command. He claimed he and his family received racist messages due to his poor performance. He was called up last week and hasn’t given up a run in his first three appearances.
It is *INSANE* how much better the #Cubs bullpen has been than the rest of baseball since April 7 (the day after they reshuffled).
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) May 5, 2019
Seriously. Look at this. LOOK. AT. THIS. pic.twitter.com/Ozxdy7DioV
The bullpen was absolutely critical in Saturday’s marathon 2-1 win. The team turned to once-maligned former starter Tyler Chatwood for long relief in extra innings, and he delivered with four strong innings of shutdown pitching. He struck out seven in his appearance.
A plethora of other relievers made an impact in that marathon game, and reliever Brandon Kintzler came up big on Sunday as well. With the Cubs clinging to a 2-1 lead in the seventh inning, Kintzler entered hoping to preserve a possible win for Lester.
Lester was seen celebrating enthusiastically in the dugout after Kintzler struck out slugger Jesus Aguilar with two men on base. It was a crucial moment that helped the Cubs hang on for the win.