Kyle Hendricks needed just 81 pitches to finish off a complete game shutout, putting him in a rare group of pitchers to do it with such efficiency. He walked off the mound in typical low-key fashion, greeting teammates with dry humor and calm ease. “Not bad,” he said, casually checking it off his mental to-do list. Willson Contreras met him with light banter, joking about errands and tire pressure. The dugout buzzed, but Hendricks stayed unaffected, as if this was just another task completed.
Dexter Fowler cracked jokes as he passed, acknowledging the dominance Hendricks brought to the mound. Anthony Rizzo tried to shift some credit Hendricks’ way, pointing to his own three-run homer and saying it was all about the pitcher. Hendricks deflected again, calling Rizzo the hero. Rizzo fired back, calling him a dumb idiot in the most affectionate way possible and reminding him just how cool the feat was.
Everyone else might have been celebrating, but Hendricks took it all in stride. No fist pumps or shouts, just a few smirks and a quick thank you. A shutout. With 81 pitches. And then maybe the grocery store.