Chicago Cubs: Kyle Hendricks Tosses Shutout on 81 Pitches

Chicago Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks did what he does best to stifle the St. Louis Cardinals’ hot bats kicking off the Chicago Cubs weekend series against their division rivals.

The Wrigleyville faithful were sent home happy Friday afternoon after the Chicago Cubs secured an easy victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, anchored by a phenomenal performance delivered by starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks.

The veteran turned in one of the best outings by a starter in all of the Majors so far this season, scattering four hits across nine innings without giving up a walk or run. He commanded the zone, with 77.8% of his pitches going for strikes while ringing up three batters. Hendricks’ complete game shutout was even more impressive considering he only needed 81 pitches.

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The Cubs couldn’t have won this game without the offense, of course. Chicago’s bats were proficient, scoring four runs on six hits headlined by a 3-run blast from Anthony Rizzo. However, the day belonged to the 29-year old righthander who turned in the best start of his career.

Hendricks’ 81-pitch gem was compelling for numerous reasons.

It was the first shutout requiring 81 pitches or less since 2012 (completed by Aaron Cook of the Boston Red Sox), and the fewest pitches in a shutout thrown by a North Sider since 2001. Hendricks, not known as a fireballer in any sense of the word, killed the Cardinals’ offense softly.

MLB’s research and development director noted his fastest pitch all game clocked in at a blistering 88.3 MPH. The Professor’s efficiency translated into a game that lasted less than two and a half hours, revealing the solution to MLB’s pace of play issues involves a lethal combination of strikes and groundballs.

Hendricks’ masterful matinee outing is considered a “Maddux” among baseball loyalists, and suitably as his start was reminiscent of Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux who was known for pitching games start to finish in quick fashion. In fact, Maddux is the last pitcher to throw a complete game shutout with as few pitches and as many strikes before Hendricks achieved the feat, which is fitting given both share the same nickname.

After getting lit up by the Arizona Diamondbacks for 7 runs on 10 hits in his previous outing and heading into this one with a 5.33 ERA, Kyle Hendricks hopes the spectacular outing is a sign of better things to come. If the vet continues to be a reliable mid-rotation starter for the stretch, the Chicago Cubs will be well-positioned to make a run for the division title in a loaded NL Central.