"The Professor" might want to avoid night classes.
Hendricks didn't get high marks for his start Sunday night vs. the Braves: He allowed four first-inning home runs, becoming the first Cubs pitcher and ninth pitcher in MLB history to do so.
Kyle Hendricks is the 1st pitcher in Cubs history to allow 4 HR in the 1st inning
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) April 18, 2021
9th time it has happened in MLB history
Kyle Hendricks had never given up four homers in his career. He allowed four tonight in the first inning to Freeman, d'Arnaud, Adrianza and Heredia. pic.twitter.com/xl2VR9bpKx
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) April 18, 2021
The Cubs started a comeback after that on the power of two Anthony Rizzo home runs, but they were still down big, 7-3, in the early part of the game. (UPDATE: They lost big, 13-4.)
Kyle Hendricks done after 74 pitches in 4 IP: 7 H, 7 R/ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 4 HR. Most of the damage came in the 35-pitch, 6-run, 4-homer first. At least saved the bullpen from an extra long night.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) April 19, 2021
Alec Mills takes over with Cubs down, 7-3.
Hendricks is the team's de facto ace after Chicago traded Yu Darvish this past offseason. Chicago will need more from its rotation this year given the lineup's struggles with runners on base and in scoring position. Consider this a missed opportunity for Hendricks in a big spot to give his dudes a lift.
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One start won't hurt, but Chicago will be probably be locked in these types of games for the duration of the 2021 season.
