The game was delayed for nearly 40 minutes due to an opposing team’s ceremonies. But Cubs manager David Ross didn’t seem to mind.
“It was a team effort,” Ross said after the Cubs’ 5-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on Wednesday.
The Cubs broke a 4-4 tie in the ninth inning with back-to-back RBI doubles by Cody Bellinger and Christopher Morel.
“I think Bellinger’s leadoff double was huge. Morel’s double was also big. Plus, the bullpen pitched really well.”
On starter Justin Steele, who allowed three runs in five innings, he said, “He was sharp with his slider and his velocity was up. I really liked the way the ball was coming out,” he said.
“He continues to evolve as a pitcher. He’s maturing and growing,” he said, adding that he’s excited for the future.
“He’s stabilizing the bullpen,” he said of Julian Merriweather, who closed out the eighth inning. He’s having a really good season. He had a little bit of a rough start, but he’s been phenomenal since.”
The game was originally scheduled to start at 3:07 p.m. local time, but it started 43 minutes later at 3:50.
There was a reason. Before the game, the Blue Jays held a ceremony to induct Jose Bautista into the organization’s Level of Excellence Hall of Fame.카지노사이트
“It was really cool,” Ross said of the other team’s pregame ceremony, which he watched from the dugout. “It was a celebration of a retiring player, and a lot of his old teammates were there, some of whom I played with. It was a great moment, and I think it was a great ceremony for him and his family. I think it’s a good thing for baseball. I think the players appreciate it.”
As for the nearly 40-minute delay, “It was a disruption, for sure. But nobody was upset. It was fun to watch, and he’s a great player,” he said.
Instead, the Cubs went on to win the game and spoil the Blue Jays’ feast. “I wouldn’t have ruined his day because we won,” Ross said with a laugh, before leaving the field.