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Bullpen’s new look lightens load for Lackey
- Updated: July 29, 2016
CHICAGO — Cubs starter John Lackey could’ve gone longer in the 3-1 win over the White Sox on Thursday night, but manager Joe Maddon took advantage of a National League moment in the sixth inning knowing his bullpen has changed with the addition of Aroldis Chapman.
“We’ve got what they call a three-headed monster now,” Chicago’s Dexter Fowler said. “Those guys cut the game down.”
The Cubs led, 2-1, and had two on and two outs in the sixth. It was Lackey’s turn to bat, but Maddon called on David Ross to pinch-hit. Ross struck out, and Maddon turned to relievers Pedro Strop and Hector Rondon to pitch the seventh and eighth, respectively.
Trouble is, Rondon gave up a leadoff double to Tyler Saladino in the eighth, and he advanced to third on Tim Anderson’s groundout. Maddon then called on Chapman, who struck out Melky Cabrera to end the eighth, then retired the side in the ninth for his first save with the Cubs and first four-out save of the season.
“It was a National League moment getting John out of the game,” Maddon said. “You look down and you have Strop, Ronny and Chapman ready to go tonight. It makes it somewhat easier. Even though Rossy punches out, it’s still the right thing to do at that moment. In the National League, you should be able to not overextend …
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