Oct. 04--As recently as eight weeks ago, Kyle Hendricks resorted to looking at videotapes of his delivery from two seasons ago in an effort to pitch out of a funk that caused many Chicago Cubs followers to feel skeptical.
Although it seems like a long shot for Hendricks to start in a post-season game, his final two starts lent hope for 2016 following a 1-0 victory Saturday over the Milwaukee Brewers that now gives the Cubs a shot at hosting the National League wild-card game Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
"There have been a lot of frustrating moments," said Hendricks, who lasted only 3 1/3 innings against the Chicago White Sox on Aug. 14 and had a 4.23 ERA after a loss to the Brewers on Sept. 23. "But to finish like this and finally feel like I got it back, to have that sinker with the consistent movement I normally have. My change-up follows that, so it makes me more comfortable on the mound."
Manager Joe Maddon was convinced that this was Hendricks' best start of the season, and Hendricks admitted he was thinking about a perfect game after retiring the first 16 batters.
"It's definitely one of those things, regardless of what happens going forward, moving into next year, he's going to feel good about it," Maddon said.
Hendricks said he was at peace regardless of the Cubs' pitching plans for the rest of the season and said he would continue his throwing program in the event he would be included on the post-season roster.
He was delighted that he was able to get his ERA under 4.00, as well as start 32 games and pitch 180 innings.
"It was nice to end with all that, even with the frustration," Hendricks said. "So it's a silver lining. I got a lot of motivation going into next year, for sure. A lot of things I know I need to work on in the off-season, not only with my body but my pitching, too. It was a big learning year for me."
Meanwhile, the Cubs' offense made Saturday's win more harrowing by stranding 12 runners and going only 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position. Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo came up empty in a total of six at-bats with runners in scoring position, and each are stuck on 99 RBIs heading into the final game of the regular season.
"We left way too many guys on base," Maddon said. "Opportunities all night long, but we pitched well enough to win. Give our pitchers credit."
