Cubs' Derek Holland Responds to Critics After Bryce Harper's Walk-off Grand Slam

Rob Goldberg @TheRobGoldbergFeatured ColumnistAugust 16, 2019

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 15: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts in front of Derek Holland #45 of the Chicago Cubs after hitting a walk-off grand slam at Citizens Bank Park on August 15, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Cubs 7-5. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Derek Holland isn't hiding after giving up a game-ending grand slam to Bryce Harper Thursday.

The Chicago Cubs reliever took to Twitter to respond to those criticizing him and the team after a disappointing 7-5 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies:

Derek Holland @Dutch_Oven45
@philgrogers @Cubs All because of this homerun to Harper I’m a reason we didn’t construct the bullpen very well?

Derek Holland @Dutch_Oven45
@TheBirdCage11 Actually they are. We’re still in first place

Holland was one of three Cubs to take the mound in the ninth inning to close out a 5-1 lead, but Philadelphia won as Harper hit a monster home run off Holland with the bases loaded. It completed a three-game sweep for the Phillies as Chicago continues to struggle on the road.

The reliever was fully willing to take responsibility for the loss on Twitter:

Derek Holland @Dutch_Oven45
@AMiller2424 @ESPNChiCubs @DavidBote13 Don’t blame them. Blame me. And the pitch was not down the middle. It was inside off the plate. And we lost because of me not because of them. I gave up the homer. Not them. Hold me accountable for the actions that Happened.

Derek Holland @Dutch_Oven45
@mattlindner Ohh i know it’s my fault we lost. I threw the pitch he hit it. It was a pitch not even on the plate. He got the big contract to do that. Tip your cap and move on

Although this type of loss could damage a team's confidence, especially the player who gave up the home run, it seems Holland is taking it in stride and is ready to move past it.

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