Cubs’ Drew Smyly loses perfect game in most awkward way possible (Video)

Cubs pitcher Drew Smyly had a perfect game going into the eighth inning against the Dodgers but lost it in a collision with catcher Yan Gomes.

Drew Smyly was six outs away from the first perfect game since 2012. David Peralta of the Dodgers put an end to that dream.

In the top of the eighth, Smyly took the mound for the Cubs with history on the line but Peralta’s swinging bunt put the ball in an awkward spot between the catcher and the pitcher.

With both players trying to make a play, they collided and watched the perfect game and no-hitter bid fall away.

Is that the worst way to lose a perfect game? There definitely isn’t a good way to lose it but a collision with the catcher on such weak contact has got to be up there with the most heartbreaking.

Cubs: Drew Smyly lost his perfect game because of a collision with Yan Gomes

It’s hard to say if Smyly or catcher Yan Gomes would have been able to complete the play at first to keep the perfect game alive but they definitely didn’t have a chance once Gomes ran into the back of the pitcher.

Smyly went on to get out Miguel Vargas and James Outman before being replaced. He went 7.2 innings with 10 strikeouts, no walks and just one hit allowed.

Between April 21 and August 15 in 2012, there were three perfect games. Philip Humber started the run for the White Sox against the Mariners. Then Giants’ pitcher Matt Cain got one over on the Astros on June 13. Finally, Felix Hernandez took down 27 Rays for the Mariners. Both Humber and Hernandez’s feats were achieved at Safeco Field.

Smyly came into Friday’s game with a 4.70 ERA with a 1-1 record in three starts. The soon-to-be 34-year-old joined the Cubs in 2022. He’s played 10 years in the majors with the Tigers, Rays, Rangers, Phillies, Giants and Braves.