Szczur Slams the Door on the Braves, Cubs Win

It was a tight game right up until the Cubs loaded the bases in the bottom of the eighth inning and Matt Szczur came up to bat. He did what all little boys would dream about in their backyard in that same situation, he hit it high, deep and gone – a grand slam (and the crowd roars!).

Cubs win today 6-1 and extend their winning streak to four games (Box Score).

Throwing flames

Jon Lester did a great job today as he struck out ten in seven innings of play. He gave up only one run and did a great job getting out of a bases loaded jam in the top of the seventh with no outs. He struck out the next two batters and got Nick Markakis to fly out with no runs scored. He showed some nice grit getting out of that inning.

Hector Rondon and Pedro Strop, who got the win, each pitched one no-hit inning to slam the door shut on the Braves.

Szczur slamin’

It was a 1-1 game going into the eighth inning and the Cubs poured it on quickly. The Cubs loaded the bases on two hits and a walk when Rizzo singled in a run to make it 2-1. Matt Szczur was up next and he pounded the second pitch he saw to deep left center field for a grand slam.

You have to be happy for Matt, he just made the final roster coming out of spring training, mainly due to Baez starting the season on the DL. His stay on the Big League team was most certainly extended after the Schwarber injury and it now looks like he may finally have a permanent home on the Cubs 25-man roster. Couldn’t happen to a better, more deserving guy.

Next up

Cubs take on the Braves and look to keep streaking tomorrow at 1:20 PM CDT. John Lackey will take the ball for the Cubs.