After each game of the Cubs season, Ill give out some awards, the 4 balls are going to go to the 4 best players, culminating in the final award the 4 balls. (Think hockey stars). The dishonorable mention will get the 3 strikes of the game. With the worst North Sider getting the lowly 3 strikes.

The Cubs win game 1 of the season against the Brewers on Thursday in front of a small, but loud Wrigley Field crowd. It was an impressive performance with solid offense, an amazing performance by Kyle Hendricks and some amazing performances by the new Cubs players.

Without further adieu here are the 4 balls of the game

1 Ball (clap your hands)

Seiya Suzuki 1-2, 2 walks, 1 run
Suzuki’s debut lived up to the hype. He was one of 2 Cubs in history to get his first career hit off of the previous seasons Cy Young award Winner. The former Japanese MVP laced a sharp single off Corbin Burnes in the bottom of the 5th, which led to Patrick Wisdoms sacrifice fly to tie the game at 1. Defensively Suzuki was good. He caught a laser beam of a shot off the bat of Hunter Renfroe. He did have a moment in the field where he almost caused a collision with Jason Heyward

2 Balls (Special Mention)

Nico Hoerner 1-3, 2 RBI’s, 1 HR
Nico lit the powder keg that are the fans at Wrigley Field. He launched a 374 foot home run off Corbin Burnes. The former Cy Young winner only gave up 7 bombs last season, and Horner hasn’t homered since 2019! This home run was very very unlikely. Nico has the talent to have a .400 OBP. He just needs to stay healthy. Today was a great start.

3 Balls (Honorable Mention)

Ian Happ 3-4, 2 RBIs,, 2 2B, 1-1 RISP
Ian was the Ian Cubs fans have wanted for so long today. He attacked all parts of the zone today. He attacked a cutter in the upper part of the zone off Burnes, and hit his 2 RBI double off the wall on a low and inside 84 MPH cutter from the hand of Jake Cousins. I am excited to see what Happ can do. His production along with a few others could be the real X factor on how the Cubs offense performs.

4 Balls (Player of the Game)

Kyle Hendricks 5.1 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 7 K’s, 1.69 ERA
“The Professor” brought out the old textbook, threw it in the trash Can, and turned on the new fangled power point. Kyle wasn’t getting out in his traditional way today. He struck out 7 Brewers. He only had 3 such performances of 7+ K’s in his disappointing 2021 campaign. Kyle had some hitters on base sure, but he kept them from crossing home plate, and isnt that the name of the game?

Now that we started out with the positives, lets go to the guys who didn’t help the Chicago Cubs today.

1 Strike (Could be better)

Daniel Norris 1 IP, 1 Hit, 2 ER, 1 Walk
I know this series is going to be a bit unfair to relievers with how volatile the position can be. Daniel Norris didnt make the best first impression, he came into the game in the top of the 6th inning, and cleaned up the mess Kyle Hendricks had and forced PH Tyrone Taylor to ground into a crucial double play. The top of the 7th inning was a different story. He couldnt get out of the inning at all. Lorenzo Cain started the trouble by doubling to lead the inning, it got worse. He walked Brosseau, then Kolton Wong grounded into a fielders choice. His day was over, but his inherited runners scored. He cant put his fellow relievers in those messes. I still am excited for this bullpen. The Cubs do a great job in turning these relievers into good pieces. This bullpen can be very good in my opinion.

2 strikes (It could be worse…)

Rowan Wick 0.2 IP, 2 hits, 1 ER
Rowan began his 2022 season in a clean 8th inning. It didnt remain clean for long. Rowdy Tellez singled to center, (old friend) Victor Caratini hit a double and then Lorenzo Cain hit a sac fly to pull the Brew crew within a run. The Cubs need Rowan to be a consistent force in this bullpen. With so many new faces and undefined roles, Rowan can stake his claim as the 8th inning guy or fireman, but he has to earn that.

3 Strikes (Just Walk it off bud)

Frank Schwindel 0-4
I dont know yet if last year’s .962 OPS was an aberration or not, but its not a great sign when you don’t get a hit. I really want his leash to be short, but I dont think I’ll get my way. Frank to me will be the personification of that awful traded deadline week when the Cubs decided extensions werent in vogue and they were gonna play baseball like a small market ballclub.