Chicago Cubs' Pitcher's Perfect Game Bid Doesn't Go As Planned
Chicago Cubs catcher Yan Gomes collides Friday with starting pitcher Drew Smyly, preventing the throw to first base and ending Smyly's chance at a perfect game during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Chicago.
A Chicago Cubs’ pitcher’s attempt at a perfect game ended in a particularly awful fashion on Friday.
Drew Smyly was six outs away from pitching what would have been only the 24th perfect game in major league baseball history when the bottom fell out of his baseball dreams.
It happened at the top of the eighth inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Left fielder David Peralta hit a weak grounder toward the third-base line.
Smyly and catcher Yan Gomes both went after the ball, but Smyly got there first and reached down to grab it and throw it to first base.
But Gomes ran into Smyly and ended up on his teammate’s back while Peralta reached first safely.
CBS Sports noted that Peralta hit his perfect game-spoiling hit at nearly 33 miles per hour and it traveled only a few feet, adding, “How’s that for a single to break up a perfect game?”
Of course, this is a situation where video tells the story better than mere words.
THIS is how Drew Smyly's perfect game bid ends??? pic.twitter.com/AHaiPZ0pA7
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) April 21, 2023
Despite Smyly losing out on a perfect game, the Cubs still beat the Dodgers 13-0 in a combined one-hitter between Smyly and Jeremiah Estrada, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Still, the win hasn’t stopped fans from making snarky comments about the bizarre ending to his perfect game bid.
If your bid for a perfect game is going to end, at least make it memorable. #Cubspic.twitter.com/LS6LCvuG3F
— Matt Musico (@mmusico8) April 21, 2023
What an extremely lame and basebally way to lose a perfect game. ⚾️pic.twitter.com/qIovjsJNmN
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) April 21, 2023
Pain pic.twitter.com/uqXLxxj8tv
— Cubs Zone ™️ (@CubsZone) April 21, 2023
you’re probably wondering how I ended up in this situation pic.twitter.com/8WAHFCGlB4
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 21, 2023
not to be dramatic but if this is how i lost my perfect game bid, i’d quit. just walk off the field, drive home, and never come back. pic.twitter.com/CRoLl6i084
— brianna pirre (@bsp_13) April 21, 2023
Please respect our privacy at this time pic.twitter.com/LunHNuk2V3
— CHGO Sports (@CHGO_Sports) April 21, 2023