Written by Mark Gonzalez at Chicago Tribune.com
There were mixed reactions in the Cubs’ clubhouse in regards to their state of mind prior to Wednesday night’s 10-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
But the players were in full agreement that a four-run fourth inning alleviated any pressure that had been mounting after failing to score in 21 consecutive innings.
“It was huge for our team, our confidence,” said Ben Zobrist, who set the tone with a bunt single in the fourth. “We haven’t been ourselves lately, so that inning busted things out. The next couple were as good as well. It was just a huge offensive confidence builder.”
David Ross, however, tempered some of the thought that the Cubs were desperate.
“I don’t know that we change much,” Ross said. “We try to stay true to who we are. I think the stories get made up. That’s what you have to do. You have to write stories about guys not hitting and us not scoring runs, but we understand we’re facing very good pitching and tough matchups, and guys weren’t locked in yet.
“It’s a cat-and-mouse game, that’s why it’s a seven-game series and now (best-of) three. We’re glad to be back to even and we’ll get them (Thursday).”
But Ross did acknowledge that not falling behind early, thanks to a strong throw by right fielder Jason Heyward and tag by catcher Willson Contreras that nailed Adrian Gonzalez at the plate to end the second inning, prevented the Cubs from getting “behind the 8-ball.”
“That’s the hardest part, continuing to be behind and (trying to) break that seal of getting the lead and getting everyone relaxed,” Ross said. “I think Anthony (Rizzo) relaxed. We all put a lot of pressure on ourselves to perform, and it doesn’t go well all the way through the lineup. The guys are trying to make something happen and trying to pick up one another, and sometimes you put too much pressure on yourselves.
“I think in general, the runs coming across with Zo scoring and us getting the lead lets us take a little deep breath, and guys take off after that.”
Javier Baez, who gathered his thoughts for several seconds before hitting a single during the Cubs’ four-run fourth, wasn’t surprised by the Cubs’ offensive breakout.
“We’ve done it all year,” Baez said. “Everyone was surprised because we haven’t scored in the postseason, but we go out there with a plan. If it didn‘t work, it didn’t work. You just come tomorrow and get after it again.”
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