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Here are three things we learned from the Cubs' 4-3 win in 10 innings against the nationals in their makeup match on Thursday.
1. Joe Maddon does not trust some of his options.
The Cubs may have 14 referees through September calls, but the Cubs official wanted Pedro Strop to start a third inning instead of going with one of seven other unused pitchers. So he let Strop fight for the 10th inning instead of using Tommy La Stella with the loaded bases and an exit. When Strop injured his hamstring while trying to beat a double-handed pitcher, he went with Randy Rosario, who started a perfect 10th.
Brandon Kintzler, Tyler Chatwood, Dillon Maples, James Norwood, Jaime Garcia and Alec Mills were all available. None was a particularly appetizing choice, but Maddon was hit on Twitter for the decision after Strop limped back to the dugout. It's fair to debate the decision, but it's wrong to blame Maddon for the injury.
2. Javier Baez won a crucial match.
Baez's chances of winning the MVP were reduced after his absence from September 2 to Wednesday, but he won when he counted Thursday in a match that the Cubs desperately needed to win. His RBI double in the fourth inning earned him the first round of the Cubs, his opposing counterpart in sixth gave them a quick lead and his squeeze squeeze single in the 10th won the winning round.
Whether he's the National League MVP or not, he's definitely the Cubs' MVP. At this point of the season, that's all that matters. Look for a good ending for Baez, who can bring this team to the end.
3. Anthony Rizzo understands it.
Rizzo got a lot of publicity for his wacky idea of wearing his uniform in Washington and Chicago, and this helped to create some lightness during a difficult stretch for the Cubs.
Rizzo understands that this is entertainment, and that it is not really dangerous to go off the rails once in a while. But he was seen handing out a piece of hand luggage from the club after Thursday's game, so Rizzo could have had some extra clothes in case he was tired of wearing a baseball uniform for two consecutive days. He may be crazy, but he's not crazy.
Twitter @PWSullivan
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