(670 The Score) There were multiple reasons the Cubs’ 2-1 win against the Cardinals in 10 innings on Sunday night was a low-scoring affair.
Cubs right-hander Zach Davies and Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright pitched well. There was quality defense on display, specifically from Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner. And then there was also home-plate umpire Erich Bacchus’ strike zone.
To put it simply, it was absurdly large and wide at times. It went both ways, though Wainwright really seemed to be a beneficiary. He had 31 called strikes Sunday, which was the most if any MLB pitcher in 2021, according to Buster Olney of ESPN.
In the fourth inning, Cubs manager David Ross reached his breaking point, getting ejected for arguing a called strike on star Kris Bryant that was clearly low. Ross could be heard on the ESPN broadcast telling Bacchus to “be better," among what seemed to be other choice words.
The report card for Bacchus at game’s end wasn’t kind. He correctly called 85% of balls and strikes, which was the sixth-worst mark in MLB this season, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN.
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