Cubs’ Kittredge Turns Boos into an Immaculate Inning Triumph

Chicago Cubs reliever Andrew Kittredge made MLB history on a sunny Wednesday afternoon. He delivered perfection against the Cincinnati Reds.

Just one day earlier, Kittredge endured a night to forget. He gave up four runs in only a third of an inning and left to boos from the Wrigley faithful.

But in a wild twist, the 35-year-old hurler rebounded and pitched an immaculate inning—striking out three batters on just nine pitches. Let’s take a closer look at Kittredge’s remarkable feat and what it means for him, the Cubs, and honestly, anyone who loves baseball.

What Is an Immaculate Inning, and Why Is It So Rare?

If you’re new to the term, an immaculate inning is about as clean as pitching gets. A pitcher strikes out three batters on three pitches each, wrapping up the inning in just nine pitches.

It’s one of baseball’s rarest accomplishments. No-hitters and perfect games usually steal the spotlight, but immaculate innings stand out for their precision and dominance.

Kittredge joined pretty elite company on Wednesday. He became the first Cubs pitcher to do it since Hayden Wesneski pulled it off in 2022.

With only 114 recorded immaculate innings in MLB history as of 2023, it’s a defining moment for any pitcher.

Kittredge’s Big Bounce Back

The context makes this even more impressive. Less than 24 hours earlier, Kittredge was on the wrong side of the Wrigley crowd.

After surrendering four runs and taking the loss on Tuesday, fans let their frustration show. It looked like the veteran might need some time to shake it off.

Instead, he hit the reset button in a big way. In the seventh inning of Wednesday’s game, with the Cubs holding a narrow lead over the Reds, Kittredge faced Austin Hays, Gavin Lux, and Tyler Stephenson.

He struck out all three on nine consecutive pitches. The dramatic turnaround gave fans a brand new reason to cheer for their gutsy bullpen arm.

The Secret to Kittredge’s Success

So, what exactly worked for Kittredge? Catcher Carson Kelly said it was all about consistency and smart pitch selection.

Kelly pointed out that Kittredge used the same pitch sequence for each batter:

• Two sinkers: Fast, heavy, and tough to square up.
• One slider: A sharp breaking ball that moves away from right-handed hitters.

The combo was lethal. Kelly briefly thought about mixing in a curveball or changeup for deception, but stuck with the slider for Stephenson’s final strikeout.

Three perfect pitches later, Kittredge had his moment for the Cubs history books.

A Boost of Confidence for the Cubs

Kittredge’s performance wasn’t just about personal redemption. He helped the Cubs win 6-1, stopping the Reds from sweeping the series.

Manager Craig Counsell praised Kittredge’s ability to bounce back under pressure. That’s exactly why the Cubs brought him in from Baltimore earlier this season.

“For him to come out and pitch like that after the night he had says so much about his character,” Counsell said. “We needed this win, and Andrew gave us everything we needed.”

The Cubs stay in the thick of a tough divisional race, where every win matters as the regular season winds down.

Kittredge’s Accomplishment: A Testament to Resilience

For Andrew Kittredge, Wednesday’s performance might be a career highlight. At 35, he’s had his share of ups and downs in Major League Baseball.

But to shake off one of his worst outings and deliver an immaculate inning? That says a lot about his mental toughness and skill as a pitcher.

As the Cubs chase a postseason spot, having bullpen arms like Kittredge performing at this level could make all the difference. Sometimes, baseball turns on a dime—and this was one of those days that reminds you why resilience matters so much on the diamond.

Final Thoughts: Baseball’s Beautiful Imperfections

Baseball swings between highs and lows. Andrew Kittredge’s immaculate inning shows that duality in full color.

One night, you’re getting booed off the field. Suddenly, you’re the toast of the ballpark.

That unpredictability? It’s what keeps the sport fascinating for fans and players. You never really know what you’re going to get.

Kittredge summed it up after the game: “You just keep showing up. That’s what this game is about.”

For the Cubs and their fans, that inning was unforgettable in a season packed with twists and turns.

 
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