Quote:  Getting a couple of Double plays,  with the aid of good Defense,  was huge for the Cubs.   Kris Bryant's abilities and versatility jump out in terms of the Cubs non pitchers.   

 

  On paper,  a solid case can be made that the Cubs are currently better than the Cardinals because of the Cardinals injuries.   Yet,  the Cardinals intangibles are terrific.  St. Louis gets a major break that they won't have to face Jake Arrieta twice as a starter in their series.   

 

Those double plays were huge.  Even when Arrieta isn't quite on his game right now, he still seems to be able to pitch smart and work his way out of a jam.  Kris Bryant's defense last night cannot be understated.  Going from LF, in to 3B and make those plays is pretty awesome.  Especially given his young age and inexperience at the MLB level of play.  Add it to being his first playoff game, he's a special kid.

 

Credit to Maddon for valuing versatility and moving guys like Kris Bryant around throughout the year.  The same credit goes to Kris, he's willing to play whatever position Joe puts him at.  Whether it be LF, RF, 3B or 1B (when Rizzo had the night off) he has been moved all over the place.

 

It would be hard to argue that the Cubs aren't the best team in baseball at the present moment but that means nothing, as we know, come playoffs.  The best team does not always win the series.  The Cardinals' experience cannot be undervalued here and as you mentioned, not having to face Arrieta twice is a pretty big win for them.

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