Smyly’s Near Perfect Game Could Point To Cubs Further Success

After Friday's near perfect game it's clear where the Chicago Cubs are heading.

Author:
Andy Jasner
Publish date:
Apr 24, 2023 9:00 AM EDT

In this story:

When Drew Smyly joined the Chicago Cubs this season, he was never expected to be an ace.

The Cubs already had the likes of Marcus Stroman, Jameson Taillon and Justin Steele along with Kyle Hendricks, the lone remaining player left from the 2016 World Series title team.

But Smyly has proven to be an excellent addition.

In fact, he was nearly perfect last Friday.

If not for a collision between Smyly and catcher Yan Gomes at the beginning of the eighth inning, a perfect game might have occurred against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Smyly struck out 10 in a brilliant performance in what wound up being a 13-0 Cubs victory.

Even though Smyly fell short of a perfect game, he more than proved his mettle against a solid Dodgers lineup. The left-hander had great command of all his pitches.

Hopefully, it’s a great sign of what’s to come. If Smyly can keep excelling, it will make the Cubs starting staff one of the best in the National League.

Smyly also knows this much: he revels in pitching at home.

“It's amazing," Smyly said of the crowd. "I've said it before. Pitching here at Wrigley Field is so special. It's so awesome. Every single game, the atmosphere is off the charts compared to anywhere else you go in this league."

Smyly allowed just one hit and completely had the Dodgers’ batters off balance the entire game.

"That was an amazing performance," manager David Ross said. "That was fun to watch."

Smyly ended the game with a 2-1 record and 3.13 ERA. He also looked more polished, more confident. The goal now is to build off that performance and keep the positive momentum going.

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