Still image makes Cubs botched perfect game even more depressing

The Cubs botched perfect game was ruined in embarrassing fashion. A still image before the chaos makes it look even worse.

Drew Smyly had a perfect game going, and on the other side of the innings, the Chicago Cubs offense was absolutely tearing up the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was a perfect Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Until, it wasn’t.

David Peralta hit a slow hopper up the third baseline, which Smyly and Cubs catcher Yan Gomes both went after. The two collided and there was no play at first. While one could have argued for an error, it was scored a hit, and thus the perfect game and no-hit bid was over. If you want a video of the ridiculous incident, we’ve got you covered here. 

The play was comical (manager David Ross even had jokes about it after the game) and a complete botch job, but in the end, it was still a great day for Smyly and the Cubs, who won 13-0. The video of the play is one thing, but the image tells a story that is even more depressing.

Photo of Drew Smyly and Yan Gomes going after short hopper is depressing

Here it is! Just before Gomes collided right into Smyly, you can see that Smyly had his hand on the ball and a pretty simple throw to first. If the collision doesn’t happen, this is a certain out, given that Smyly doesn’t air-mail it.

"Smyly had his bare hand on the ball with Peralta 45 feet away from first base by u/206-Ginge in baseball"

It’s tough to look at for Cubs fans who would have loved to have a no-hitter or perfect game at Wrigley. A Cub hasn’t thrown one at home since 1972, and the park hasn’t seen one from the home or away team since 2015.

In the end, the Cubs get the W. That’s really all that matters.