Andrew Kittredge: From Boos to Perfection in a Single Day
Chicago Cubs reliever Andrew Kittredge experienced a rollercoaster of emotions in less than 24 hours. He went from being booed on the mound on Tuesday night to pitching a spotless inning on Wednesday afternoon against the Cincinnati Reds. Kittredge, 35, threw nine pitches in the top of the seventh inning on Wednesday, striking out the three batters he faced. This feat represents the first immaculate inning by a Cubs pitcher since the one achieved by Hayden Wesneski in 2022. For Kittredge, it’s the first time he’s achieved an entry of this type in his career.“I was aware of it after the second punch,” Kittredge commented after the Cubs’ 6-1 victory. “It’s something very cool.”
Andrew Kittredge
This moment came less than a day after Kittredge, who was acquired from the Baltimore Orioles last week, suffered the loss after allowing four runs in a third of an inning against the Reds. He was booed by the crowd after being replaced.“We went sinker, sinker, slider”, explained catcher Carson Kelly. “Sinker, sinker, slider. Sinker, sinker… slider? It was great to be a part of that”.
Carson Kelly
Kittredge highlighted the confidence his manager showed in putting him back in a close game after he didn’t do well. His immaculate entry came when the Cubs were leading 2-0.“I try not to give it much importance,” Kittredge said with a smile. “I hope to hear more cheers than boos… I wasn’t in the zone as much as I would like [on Tuesday night]. Today I made a more conscious effort to be in the zone. And everything fell into place.”
Andrew Kittredge
“That’s what it’s all about being a Major League reliever,” said Chicago manager Craig Counsell. “Things don’t go well the night before, and they ask you to go out there and perform in the same situation and you do it.
Craig Counsell
