On this Day in 2016: Cubs get within a win of an NL Pennant
Five years ago, the Cubs embarked on a historic journey that will go down as one of the most impactful seasons in professional sports.
Throughout 2021, we’re taking a look back at some of the best moments from the incredible 2016 campaign.
Next up: NLCS Game 5 – One win away from the Pennant!
Jon Lester is nails, simple as that.
“Big Jon” tossed 7 innings of 1 run ball in the biggest game of the season to put the Cubs on the brink of their first pennant since 1945.
Anthony Rizzo continued his hot streak going 2-for-5, including an RBI double in the top of the 1st to give the Cubs the lead. His hit in the 1st inning gave him 4 consecutive at-bats with a hit (still using Matt Szczur’s bat).
The Cubs took the lead in the 6th on an Addison Russell 2-run home run. In the 8th, nine batters came to the plate as the Cubs scored 5 times to open the game up and seal the win.
Fun Facts
- Jon Lester’s ERA in the 2016 NLCS was 1.38
- 5 different Cubs had multi-hit games
- The Cubs recorded 13 hits this game, tied for the most they had in the 2016 playoffs (happened 4 times)
- Joc Pederson tried to bunt on Jon Lester in the 2nd inning, but Lester threw a long one-hopper to Rizzo to record the out