Not often do I like acknowledging the loveable losers of the north side of Chicago, but Kyle Hendricks of the Chicago Cubs deserves recognition for his masterful domination of the Brew Crew on the opening day of the 2020 season. Hendricks was named opening day starter over his counterpart, Yu Darvish, who was lined up to take the hill before a minor injury held him back. Hendricks did not disappoint Cubbie fans or his new manager David Ross. Hendricks pitched a complete game shutout (9IP 103 Pitches 3H 0BB 9K) against the Milwaukee Brewers, a team that has tormented the Cubs the past two years. Earlier in the week, Hendricks failed to make it out of the fifth inning against their home time rival, the White Sox, but on opening day the doctor had it all working. Cubs are going to need this kind of performance out of Hendricks if they want to compete in their division especially since this is the weakest pitching staff the Cubs have had on paper in many years.
Other notable performances from the day came from Shane Bieber against the Royals (6IP 97pitches 4H 1BB 14K) and Mike Moustakas destruction of the Tigers pitching staff (3-4 1HR 4RBI).
Go Cubs Go!!!