Ever wonder what happens when a team's pitching well crumbles? The 2021 Chicago Cubs experienced this firsthand, and it led to some unexpected moments on the mound. Al Yellon, the managing editor of Bleed Cubbie Blue since 2005 and author of "Chicago Cubs Firsts," gives us a glimpse into this unusual situation.
The Cubs' season in 2021 was a rollercoaster. After a rough patch in August, they rallied, winning 10 out of 13 games. But, as baseball often does, they stumbled again, losing 10 of 13 leading up to a doubleheader against the Cardinals on September 24th.
Here's where the rules get interesting: Due to the pandemic, doubleheader games in 2021, like in 2020, were limited to seven innings, unless tied. The Cubs lost the first game 8-5. In the second game, then-manager David Ross called upon Zach Davies, Scott Effross, Rex Brothers, Trevor Megill, and Adam Morgan to pitch. They struggled, allowing 16 hits and 12 runs in just 6.2 innings. Ross initially wanted Morgan to finish the game, but after Morgan gave up 3 runs, including 2 home runs, Ross made a surprising move.
With the Cubs trailing 9-4 in the seventh inning, and after Paul Goldschmidt hit an RBI double, Ross turned to infielder Sergio Alcántara to pitch to Tyler O’Neill.
Alcántara managed to get O’Neill to fly out to right field after getting a 1-2 count. And this is the part most people miss: The pitch was clocked at 91 miles per hour!
Alcántara's pitches actually looked pretty decent.
Could the Cubs have missed a trick? After leaving the Cubs, Alcántara played for the Diamondbacks and Padres. He even played one game for the Giants in 2025. He is currently a free agent.
What do you think? Should the Cubs have considered Alcántara as a pitcher earlier? Do you think this was a smart move by Ross, or a sign of desperation? Share your thoughts in the comments!
