Final Score: Cubs 3, Cardinals 1 – David Ross Hits Dramatic Home Run in Wrigley Regular Season Finale (VIDEO)

David Ross made one of the most emotional days in baseball this year a bit easier to swallow. With the passing of José Fernández, there was a solemn feeling going into tonight’s game. When David Ross hit a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth inning Wrigley Field exploded in joy. A rapture.

The fans proceeded to give Ross a standing ovation for the ages.

In the top of the seventh inning, Joe Maddon made the defensive substitution for Ross so his teammates and the fans could show their appreciation. It was a nice moment for Ross and a classy move by Maddon.

The Cubs would add two more runs. Addison Russell doubled to drive in Ben Zobrist in the bottom of the sixth inning. After the Cardinals scored a run in the top of the eighth inning, the Cubs countered with another run when Willson Contreras singled to score Ben Zobrist in the bottom of the inning.

Jon Lester was magnificent as well. No runs and three hits over 6 2/3 innings to lower his ERA to 2.28. That ERA trails only his teammate, Kyle Hendricks, among all other starting pitchers in the majors.

The bullpen came in and did their part, holding things together nicely after Lester was removed in the seventh inning. They allowed only one run and got the game to the ninth inning where Aroldis Chapman could enter and shut the door.

The Cubs win on a dramatic evening by the score of 3-1 (Box Score).

Stats that matter

  • Thank you, Mr. David Ross – 1-for-2, 1R, 1RBI, 1BB, HR
  • Lester was in top form tonight – 6.2IP, 0R, 3H, 1BB, 7Ks
  • Ben Zobrist has reached base safely in 6 straight games – 3-for-4, 2R, 2B

Bottom line

An outstanding display from David Ross and I’m certain that the Cubs’ party room is booming tonight, as I write this. What a great way for Ross to end his career with the Cubs. Well, his regular season career. We’ll still get to seem him in the postseason and I must say, I can’t wait for that.

Next up

The Cubs will travel to Pittsburgh to play to Pirates on Monday at 6:05 PM CT. Kyle Hendricks (15-8, 2.06 ERA) is set to pitch for the Cubs.

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