WATCH: Drew Smyly loses perfect game after heartbreaking collision with Yan Gomes |
On Friday afternoon, Drew Smyly had one of the top pitching performances by a Cubs pitcher in several years.
Smyly had been pitching well all year, but on this day, he was in a league of his own. He was on pace for a perfect game through seven and two-thirds innings, having retired all 23 batters he had faced. As the eighth inning began, the tension in the ballpark was palpable. Every pitch was met with a roar of approval from the Cubs faithful, who were sensing something special was happening. Smyly was trying to become the 24th player in MLB history to throw a perfect game. No Cubs pitcher has ever done it. However, the perfect game was not meant to be. A Dodgers hitter hit a soft grounder to the left side of the infield, and it looked like Smyly was going to be able to attempt a throw to first base to preserve the perfect game. But then, disaster struck. As Smyly charged toward the ball, he collided with his catcher, Yan Gomes, who was also trying to make the play. The two players tumbled to the ground. It was a heartbreaking moment for Smyly, who had pitched so brilliantly up to that point. But as he walked off the mound, he was greeted with a standing ovation from the crowd at Wrigley Field, who recognized the incredible effort he had put forth. It was the first Cubs pitcher to be perfect through seven innings since 1993. Despite losing the perfect game bid, Smyly had still put together one of the best pitching performances in recent Cubs history, allowing just one hit and no runs over seven and two-thirds innings. Check it out below: Drew Smyly was PERFECT through seven innings.
Ovation from the crowd: What an ovation from beautiful and historic Wrigley Field.
And then this happened.
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