Cubs Hammer Three Home Runs, Bury Pirates
The Pirates have got to be tired of playing the Cubs. So far this year they’ve been outscored 29-9 in four games. You have to hand it to the Cubs though, they took advantage of a gusty wind blowing out and made the Pirates pay three separate times today with the long ball.
Addison Russell hit a three-run bomb in the bottom of the fourth inning, Kris Bryant went deep in the bottom of the of the fifth with his two-run shot, and David Ross, who was simply on fire today, hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the fifth as well. The scoring happened quickly today and before the Pirates could regain any sort of composure, it was over.
The Cubs win 9-4 (box score).
Stats that mattered
- Jason Hammel pitched another great game – 6.2IP, 2R, 8H, 2BB, 8Ks
- Jason Heyward got on base three times – 1-for-3, 1R, 2BB
- Ben Zobrist can’t be stopped – 1-for-3, 2R, 1BB
- David Ross showed the young guys a thing or two – 3-for-4, 2R, 3RBIs
Bottom line
The Cubs looked a lot like the Cubs we knew before Wednesday’s doubleheader. They swung the bats really well — 11 hits and 9 runs — getting the hits when they needed them most, when men were on base. Jason Hammel was solid (again) and he continues to have a very good year.
Next up
The Cubs play the Pirates tomorrow at 1:20 PM CDT at Wrigley Field. Jake Arrieta will take the mound for the Cubs.