The Rundown: Kershaw Strikes Out 14 Cubs, Fernando Rodney Makes Debut, Duane Underwood Returns from DL
For the second day in a row, the Cubs faced one of the game’s best starters. And for the second game in a row, the results were not good for Cubs hitters.
Last night it was Clayton Kershaw’s turn, as he struck out 14 in 8 innings. For those counting at home, that’s 26 strikeouts for opposing starters in the past two games — yikes.
The lone bright spot for the Cubs was a solo bomb to center off the bat of Anthony Rizzo. It came off Kershaw in the 4th. With three total hits on the night, the Cubs didn’t really come close to scoring at any other point.
We knew it would be a tough stretch, going against Madison Bumgarner and Kershaw back-to-back. Time for the Cubs to turn it around with Jon Lester and Jake Arrieta on the mound in the next two.
Rodney’s debut
Fernando Rodney made his Cubs debut, tossing a scoreless inning without giving up a hit.
He did hit a batter and he threw a wild pitch, but no harm done. He didn’t bust out the arrow, though.
Kind of a letdown.
Mariners fire GM
A day after trading veteran reliever Fernando Rodney to the Cubs, the Mariners fired general manager Jack Zduriencik.
The Mariners have been a pretty big disappointment this year, and are currently nine games under .500 with the worst run differential in the American League (-91).
Jerry Crasnick throws out Cubs Senior Vice President, Player Development and Amateur Scouting Jason McLeod as a possibility for the role.
Last year, McLeod turned down an opportunity to become the GM of the Padres, electing to see things through with the Cubs instead.
We’ll see what happens, but it sounds like a lot of people are interested in the position.
Other notes
* Was good to see Dexter Fowler back in the lineup after missing two games with a sore shin. Unfortunately, his return didn’t do much to jumps-tart the Cubs’ bats last night, but having him back is key for this team.
* It was announced during last night’s game that Dodgers announcer Vin Scully will be returning next year for his 67th season. Scully, 88, is the best in the business. Dodgers fans are lucky to have him.
* Duane Underwood Jr. returned to the mound for Myrtle Beach. He went 4 four innings, giving up two runs (one earned) and striking out three. Underwood, one of the Cubs’ top pitching prospects, had been on the disabled list since June 28. Great news having him back.
* The Boston Globe‘s Nick Cafardo tweets that Red Sox Director of Pro Scouting Jared Porter will be coming to the Cubs. No word yet on what position he would hold in Chicago.
