Hendricks (9-4) joined Cleveland's Aaron Civale
and Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Julio Urias as the only
nine-game winners in the majors. He improved to 8-1 in his past
nine starts since May 4.
Hendricks allowed doubles to Jonathan Villar and Billy McKinney
but little else. He allowed two hits or less in a start for the
first time since Aug. 5, 2019, against the Oakland Athletics.
Throwing mostly sinkers and changeups, Hendricks struck out
seven and walked two in a 92-pitch outing and improved to 4-0 in
five career starts against the Mets.
Hendricks encountered his most significant trouble in the
fourth, when he opened the inning with consecutive full-count
walks to Pete Alonso and Dominic Smith. He recovered by getting
James McCann on a double play started by shortstop Javier Baez
and a soft grounder by McKinney.
Baez homered on the fourth pitch from Marcus Stroman (6-5) as
the Cubs finished the series with nine runs -- all on homers.
Andrew Chafin and Ryan Tepera followed Hendricks with a hitless
inning apiece. Craig Kimbrel struck out two in the ninth for his
19th save in 21 chances and 367th career save, tying Jeff
Reardon for 10th on the all-time list.
The Mets were blanked for the fourth time and lost for only the
third time in their past 17 home games. New York's last 17
hitters were retired and the Mets lost for only the sixth time
in its past 20 games.
Stroman allowed two runs on four hits in seven innings. He
struck out eight, walked one and threw 92 pitches.
After Stroman allowed Baez's 16th homer, which easily cleared
the center field fence, the Cubs mustered little offensively.
Chicago's best chance to expand the lead came in the third when
Joc Pederson's double fell between shortstop Francisco Lindor
and Smith in left field, but Stroman fanned Kris Bryant and
easily retired Baez and Anthony Rizzo.
--Field Level Media
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