Report: Cubs’ star player Jorge Lopez sends a strong message to the Blue Jays after victory.
Cubs relievers have pitched 147 ⅓ innings with a 1.95 ERA since June 27. They pitched seven innings on Saturday, striking out seven while giving up two runs and seven hits.
Cubs supporters became agitated when Blue Jays third baseman Addison Barger launched a home run off reliever Jorge Lopez in the first inning of Saturday’s ninth inning. The run ended his 16-inning stretch without allowing a run and reminded him of Friday’s blowout save by Hector Neris.
But as the rain started to fall at Wrigley Field, Lopez became comfortable and struck out the next two batters. Then, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at bat and the Blue Jays down to their final out, Lopez got him to chase three straight sliders for the strikeout that ended the Cubs’ 3-2 victory.
Due to two rain delays that lasted a total of 55 minutes, the Cubs (61-63) only saw two innings from left-hander Justin Steele. Nevertheless, they prevailed, setting themselves up to sweep the series on Sunday against left-hander Shota Imanaga.
