Hi there!
As you know, Thomas Smith is away on vacation.
To keep this feature going, I’m going to post simply the WPA numbers and plays of the game, and a poll so you can vote on your choice for Player of the Game. Thomas will update the Rizzo Award standings when he returns.
Game 116, Aug. 6: Cubs 3, Blue Jays 2
Reminder: Heroes and Goats are determined by WPA scores and are in no way subjective.
THREE HEROES:
- Superhero: Alex Bregman (.453). 2-4, 2B, 2-run HR
- Hero/Sidekick: Caleb Thielbar/Trent Thornton (.312). 1 scoreless IP each
It should be obvious to everyone that Bregman’s homer changed the win probability big time —
just look at the WPA chart! The Jays were at a 95 percent chance of winning when Bregman came to bat.
THREE GOATS:
- Billy Goat: Dansby Swanson (-.274). 0-4, 2 K
- Goat: Nico Hoerner (-.175). 0-4, K
- Kid: Seiya Suzuki (-.169). 0-4, K
WPA Play of the Game: Isn’t it obvious? Alex Bregman’s two-run game-tying homer with two out in the ninth (.488).
Blue Jays Play of the Game: Alejandro Kirk’s RBI single in the seventh (.122).
Up next: The Cubs begin a six-game road trip in Kansas City. Kevin Gausman will make his Cubs debut. The Royals will go with a bullpen game, with left-handed reliever Daniel Lynch IV the opener.
The Cubs have won four straight and this trip would be a great time to keep stacking wins.
