Kyle Schwarber battled through a 13-pitch at-bat against Kyle Barraclough and won it with a home run. Barraclough tried to avoid throwing Schwarber a fastball, opening with one for a strike, then shifting to low changeups and sliders. Schwarber spoiled pitch after pitch, sticking with his plan and waiting for that one mistake. The changeups kept coming, all around the bottom of the zone, and Schwarber fouled off each one, refusing to chase anything out of the zone.
After countless off-speed pitches, Barraclough had to throw a fastball to avoid walking him. It was a full count, and he gave in. Schwarber was ready and crushed it. The home run was a turning point, frustrating the pitcher and energizing the Cubs. On the next batter, Barraclough opened with a slider and then tossed another changeup, only to watch it get hammered for another home run. That gave the Cubs three runs and forced the Marlins to pull Barraclough from the game. It was a brutal stretch for the pitcher and a patient, disciplined win for Schwarber at the plate.