Cubs Bash Dodgers in Home Run Barrage (VIDEO)
Things got started for the Cubs (37-15) in a simple manner today, scoring two runs in the second inning on a Javier Baez single and a Miguel Montero ground out. It didn’t stay simple for long for the Dodgers (28-27) as the Cubs bashed four home runs and end up taking the final game of the four-game series and the series win. Cubs win 7-2 (box score).
The home run party started when Javier Baez launched a two-run shot in the bottom of the fourth inning. Things continued in earnest for the Cubs in the bottom of the fifth inning when Jason Heyward and Kris Bryant combined for back-to-back jacks, and the rout was on.
Anthony Rizzo jumped into the Congo line at the party and busted out his 12th home run of the year in the bottom of the eighth inning. That would cap off the scoring for the Cubs and it was all they’d need behind another solid performance by Kyle Hendricks, who gave up two runs on three hits over eight innings.
Javier Baez was a human highlight machine today as he did it all. In addition to his home run, he made two incredible defensive plays, the first a diving grab to rob Carl Crawford in the top of the fifth inning (video here) and next, a nifty glove flip in the top of the sixth inning to get a runner out at first (video here), both must-see plays.
Stats that mattered
- Baez was simply everywhere – 2-for-4, 1R, 3RBIs, and two sparkling defensive gems
- Hendricks solid for the Cubs again – 8IP, 2R, 3H, 1BB, 6Ks
- Rizzo got back in the swing today – 1-for-3, 2R, 1RBI, 1BB, 1HR
- Soler looked great (again) – 2-for-3, 2R
- Heyward had a good day – 2-for-4, 1R, 1RBI, 1HR
- And where would the Cubs be without Bryant – 1-for-4, 1R, 1RBI, 1HR
Bottom line
The Cubs win yet another series this year, their 12th in case you’re counting — I am. Things are rolling along nicely and, while there certainly have been a few blips this year, the Cubs have handled every last bit of adversity supremely.
Next up
The Cubs stay home for a weekend series starting tomorrow against the flailing Arizona Diamondbacks. No time for a let down series now. The Cubs need to put the Dbacks away in this series and they’ll start with John Lackey at 1:20 PM CDT.