2019 top Cubs memories: Kyle Hendricks tosses 81-pitch shutout vs. Cardinals

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With the year coming to a close, NBC Sports Chicago is looking back on the top moments from the 2019 Cubs season.

Because he relies on changing speeds and pitch location, rather than overpowering opponents, Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks is often compared to former Cub and Baseball Hall of Famer Greg Maddux.

That comparison was quite fitting on May 3. Hendricks tossed the first ‘Maddux’ — a complete game shutout on less than 100 pitches — of his career, dominating the Cardinals at Wrigley Field in a 4-0 win.

Hendricks threw only 81 pitches, scattering four hits across nine innings while walking none. He induced contact early in the count, retiring 14 Cardinals hitters on two pitches or less. The top five hitters in St Louis' lineup went 0-for-18, combined.

“Lucky I got one,” Hendricks said of a Maddux on May 3. “Every time I go out there, I’m trying to get early contact and early outs. When it happens to go this way, you can say, ‘Look, I did it,’ but it’s a little lucky too. There were a lot of hard-hit balls early in the count that were right at guys.” 

Humility at its finest. Call it a Maddux or whatever you want. The Professor was utterly spectacular, and class was in session at the Friendly Confines.

Watch the video above for a full look at Hendricks’ masterful outing.

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