Kris Bryant walk-off propels Cubs to win despite Caleb’s career-high 11 K’s

On Tuesday night at Wrigley Field, where temperatures were near the freezing point and the wind blew throughout the ballpark, Kris Bryant belted a walk-off three-run home run in the bottom of the ninth off Marlins reliever Adam Conley, as the Cubs took the second game of the series, 5-2.

The 2019 All Star Game is set to take place July 9 at Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Indians. Though it may seem a bit premature, there is a clear frontrunner to represent the Marlins at the event: Caleb Smith. Cool and collected, Smith continued his dominance in 2019, punching out a career-best 11 batters against a talented Chicago lineup.

He bumped up his season total to 56 K’s, most among all National League left-handers.

Smith worked 6 ²⁄₃ innings, allowing five hits, two runs and three walks. Smith’s ERA coming into the ballgame sat at an even 2.00, but that increased slightly to 2.11.

The Fish fell behind in the first inning when Javier Baez drove home Bryant via a sacrifice fly.

That adversity didn’t intimidate Miami. The Cubs’ Jon Lester was making his seventh career start against the franchise sporting a mediocre 5.01 career ERA in prior matchups. The competitive veteran looked vulnerable in this game, too.

Martin Prado produced an RBI double and catcher Jorge Alfaro followed with an RBI single during a two-run third inning that made it 2-1.

In the next half inning, however, Chicago quickly evened the contest. Albert Almora Jr.’s solo shot left the yard by the slimmest of margins, landing in the Wrigley Field “basket” directly above the famous ivy.

Lester out survived six innings and struck out six Marlin batters to keep the score at 2-2 until Bryant’s heroics.

Combined with a Kansas City Royals victory, Miami created more separation from the rest of the league in the race for 2020 MLB Draft position.

The Marlins will look to regain series momentum Wednesday night, as flamethrower José Ureña takes the mound. Ureña’s last start came versus the Atlanta Braves this past Friday night at Marlins Park. Atlanta took major advantage, as Ureña surrendered five runs on six hits in six innings of work. HIs counterpart? Righty Kyle Hendricks, who in his last start tossed a complete game shutout versus St. Louis. First pitch—pending weather—is set for 8:05 p.m. ET.

Marlins vs. Cubs box score (MLB.com)

Fish Picks answer key

1. Cubs
2. Over
3. Over
4. Yes
5. Cubs