Cubs Beat Reds: Andrew Kittredge Throws Immaculate Inning
Cubs Reliever Luke Kittredge Throws Immaculate Inning, Redeems Rough Outing
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Luke Kittredge turned heads Wednesday afternoon, delivering an immaculate inning for the Chicago Cubs against the Cincinnati Reds – a feat rarely seen in Major League Baseball.The performance came less than 24 hours after a tough outing, showcasing the resilience expected of big league relievers.
From Disappointment to Dominance: Kittredge’s Remarkable Turnaround
Just a day prior, Kittredge suffered a loss, giving up four runs in a third of an inning against the same Reds team. The sold-out crowd at Wrigley Field voiced their displeasure as he was pulled from the game. But Kittredge didn’t dwell on the negative reaction. He used it as fuel.
“I try not to read into that,” Kittredge said with a smile. “Hopefully you hear more cheers than boos. … I was not in the zone as much as I’d like to be [Tuesday night]. Today I made a more conscious effort to be in the zone. It kind of fell into place.”
And “fall into place” it did. kittredge struck out Austin Hays, Gavin Lux, and Tyler Stephenson on just nine pitches – three strikes to each batter. What made the performance even more remarkable? He used the exact same pitch sequence for each out.
The Secret Sequence: Sinker, Sinker, Slider
“We went sinker, sinker, slider,” Cubs catcher Carson Kelly revealed. “Sinker, sinker, slider. Sinker, sinker… slider? It was pretty cool to be a part of that.”
Kelly even admitted to a fleeting thought about changing things up on the final pitch.”I paused for a second recalling the notion that maybe I should change up that last pitch — but the slider did the trick as all three batters struck out swinging.”
An immaculate inning is a testament to pinpoint control and unwavering confidence. It’s a rare display of pitching perfection, and Kittredge executed it flawlessly.
Counsell’s Confidence and the Value of a Rapid Memory
Chicago manager Craig Counsell demonstrated faith in Kittredge by giving him the ball in a close game after his previous struggles. That trust was rewarded.
“That’s what being a big league reliever is about,” Counsell explained. “Things don’t go your way the night before, and you’re asked to come out and deliver in the same situation and you deliver.”
Counsell added, with clear admiration, “I love that.”
Kittredge’s immaculate inning came with the Cubs leading 2-0, and they extended their lead later in the game, securing a win and avoiding a sweep by Cincinnati. The performance wasn’t just a personal redemption for Kittredge; it was a crucial moment for the Cubs, demonstrating the mental fortitude and resilience that defines a prosperous team.