The good news for the Cubs was that Anthony Rizzo got to Cardinals starting pitcher Michael Wacha right away in the first inning with a leadoff walk.
The bad news was that it left Rizzo at first base — a long, lonely way from home for a guy playing on a sprained right ankle.
Rizzo had a tough day on the bases Friday in a 2-1 loss that dealt a painful blow to the Cubs’ postseason chances. He was doubled off first after the aforementioned walk, unable or unwilling to shift his weight and try to beat shortstop Paul DeJong’s throw to the bag after Nicholas Castellanos’ line drive.