Hendricks goes 9; Rizzo HRs, sanitizes; Cubs beat Brew 3-0

CHICAGO (AP) — Kyle Hendricks finished a three-hitter after new manager David Ross gave him one more batter, Anthony Rizzo homered and dished out hand sanitizer, and the Chicago Cubs started the season by beating the Milwaukee Brewers 3-0 on Friday night.

Ian Happ connected for a two-run drive and Ross got his first victory in his debut as a big league manager, making all the right moves in front of a mostly empty Wrigley Field for the opener of a pandemic-shortened 60-game season.

Showing off an improved curveball, Hendricks struck out nine and walked none in his first career opening-day start and fourth career shutout.

Orlando Arcia had each of Milwaukee's hits off Hendricks (1-0). After he singled with two out in the third for the Brewers' first baserunner, he accepted a splash of sanitizer from a smiling Rizzo at first and cleaned off his hands.

Ross came out to check on Hendricks with two out and a runner on first in the ninth. He told the right-hander he had one more hitter, and Keston Hiura bounced into a game-ending fielder's choice on Hendricks' 103rd pitch.

One of Chicago's elevated train lines rumbled in the distance as the NL Central rivals renewed acquaintances three months after they were scheduled to begin the season at Miller Park. Normally, the sound of the Red Line is drowned out by 30,000-plus fans, but there was only a handful of people at Wrigley because of the coronavirus pandemic — making for a handful of unusual scenes.

Cubs left-hander Jon Lester watched the start of the game from the bleachers in left field. Brewers slugger Ryan Braun, who is normally greeted by vociferous boos when he comes to Chicago, played in relative silence all night long.

Even with the stands empty, Jason Heyward carried a Chicago flag when he ran out to right...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Hendricks-goes-9-Rizzo-HRs-sanitizes-Cubs-beat-15433188.php