GDT 8/15/19 Chicago Cubs (Darvish) @ Philadelphia Phillies (Smyly)

[zambonir]

I'm still watching the archive, Harper about to come up. Seriously though, two days ago we were talking about Gabe's job. This series could easily cost Maddon his job if they don't get to the NLDS.

And we've been in third place for a few days now.

[zambonir]

Had an 0-2 count on Harper too. Amazing.

[bkeich]

Did you notice that Harper watched his HR a lot. I normally don’t like it when players do that, but in this case it is good because he FLEW around the bases and almost caught Hoskins.

Honestly, that ball was really crushed, I can’t blame him for watching it a little.

[zambonir]

yeah I found the whole thing completely endearing. that was one you're allowed to watch (the shot itself as well as the situation).

plus the bit about his parents.

[Sabin]

Lol, I was responding to Z's earlier post about how a sweep was too much to ask for.

[andyb]

I marking this one down in Charlie's column. It would not be outlandish to suggest that he has got everyone more relaxed so they stop pressing so much.

BTW Darvish showed why he is really good. When he shelved some pitches that he was not throwing for strikes he suddenly focuses on 3 pitches where he can dominate. Good velocity. Devastating split. Locating on the corners and enough of a curve to fool people. His contract might be the rare long term pitcher's deal where the first year is the worst part of the deal.

[Philsmania]

Here's an entertaining compilation of all the calls of the game-winning slam last night. The Phillies' Spanish-language announcer just may have stolen the show!

From Philly to Chicago, the best calls from Harper's heroics

[zambonir]

You can't not give Charlie credit - though I think I'd give the Cubs fielders and bullpen more. But the truth is Harper and Realmuto have been hot for all of July and August (and Harper all season with RISP). And Dickerson has really helped.

[LoneStarPhan]

I think every player who reached base in the ninth had two strikes when they put the ball in play or were HBP. A couple of the hits were on 0-2 counts.

[schillingfan]

I bet the Cubs fans don't feel that way (about recovering). We knocked them out of first place last night and they are in the same multiple-team wild card race we are.

My Cubs fan friend told me last night that they are used to being crushed. They also have closer problems this year.

[zambonir]

Well yeah, unlike them we opted not sign Kimbrel and it's a good thing we didn't sign Holland!