The Chicago Cubs blanked the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday.
The 13-0 score showed how dominant the Cubs’ offense was.
But the headlines were all to Drew Smyly.
The southpaw completely manhandled a top offense for seven innings.
In fact, he was perfect for seven innings: no walks, no hits, and no runners even reached first base.
Enter the eighth inning.
David Peralta hit a slow chopper to the shallow infield, between the catcher and the pitcher and a little toward third base.
Both Smyly and catcher Yan Gomes raced towards the ball to make the play.
That’s what ended up ruining the perfect-game bid: the two players collided and neither could take the ball and make the throw.
Peralta reached first and ruined perfection and even the no-hit bid.
THIS is how Drew Smyly’s perfect game bid ends??? pic.twitter.com/AHaiPZ0pA7
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) April 21, 2023
It was by far Smyly’s best start of the year and probably of his career.
In 7.2 innings, he allowed the one hit, no walks, and struck out 10 Dodgers.
Whether it was the catcher or the pitcher’s ball, you can’t blame them for trying.
It was a shame it had to happen that way.
Watching the play, it’s not clear which player would have had a better chance of making the out.
Smyly, however, probably was that player since he is left-handed.
Gomes would have had to make a quick spin because of the angle in which he was pursuing the ball.
Still, in any case, the play was going to be very difficult with Peralta running all out toward first base.
It just wasn’t meant to be.
