Watch: Aroldis Chapman works three-pitch inning

Aroldis Chapman only needed three pitches to retire the side in the ninth on Thursday.

Cubs closer Aroldis Chapman made quick work of the Cardinals in the ninth inning on Thursday night—very quick work.

Chapman came on in a tied game, and sent down the side using just three pitches. He got Jedd Gyorko and Greg Garcia to line out to third, then induced a Tommy Pham groundout. 

Afterward, the flamethrower walked off the mound laughing, but would not get an opportunity to work another inning. Mike Montgomery took over in the 10th.

According to Baseball Almanac, it’s the first three-pitch inning of Chapman’s career, and the first since July 25, 2015, when the Rockies’ Christian Friedrich accomplished the feat.

Chicago won, 4–3, on an Anthony Rizzo walk-off walk in the 11th.

– Kenny Ducey