When Joe Maddon announced the Cubs NLDS rotation earlier this week, I have to say that I was a bit surprised to see Kyle Hendricks get the nod to go in Game 1. Not because I don't think he's worthy of the start, I just didn't think that you could give the ball to anyone but your veteran lefty, Jon Lester.
Shows how much I know.
Hendricks opened up the 2017 NLDS with an absolute gem of a game against a very potent Nationals offense. He allowed only two hits through seven innings (zero hits after the 2nd) and had the Washington hitters guessing all night long primarily using his nasty change up.
Example A: Bryce Harper.
What's even more impressive than the 81 mph change up is the fact that Hendricks has quietly put together some filthy postseason numbers. Also remember, Hendricks has started in some big postseason games before tonight (Game 6 2016 NLCS, Game 7 2016 World Series) so the guy has goddamn ice water in his veins and still manages to miss bats. His seven-hit gem of a game tonight will only add to these sparkling postseason numbers.
Even in his only loss in eight postseason starts, Hendricks was still lights out. He lost 1-0 in Game 2 of the 2016 NLCS to Clayton Kershaw and the LA Dodgers. Let's hope this is the last we have to see Hendricks pitch in the NLDS.
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