Fowler Returns in a Blaze, Leads Cubs to Win

If you didn’t think Dexter Fowler was a big-time impact player before tonight I highly doubt that’s still the case. He literally and figuratively led the way for the Chicago Cubs (58-37) tonight, on their way to a 5-2 win over the Brewers (Box Score).

Jason Hammel held the Milwaukee Brewers to two runs and four hits over five innings. He had a short outing, throwing only 76 pitches on the night, but he’d given up a run in each of the fourth and fifth innings and then led off the sixth inning by surrendering a double to Scooter Gennett. Joe had seen enough and decided to pull him in favor of Carl Edwards Jr., who pitched very well.

And Dexter Fowler, oh boy, Dexter Fowler. My oh my have we missed you. He led off the game with a home run and you could feel the rush flow throughout Cubs kingdom. It was a magnificent, story book return for the Cubs’ front-man.

As if that wasn’t enough, Mr. Fowler decided that perhaps an encore would be appropriate as he laced a bases-loaded double down the third base line, scoring two runs and giving the Cubs a 3-0 lead in the top of the second inning.

The bullpen took over the game from Hammel in the sixth inning and was stellar. Between five pitchers – Edwards Jr., Travis Wood, Justin Grimm, Pedro Strop and Hector Rondon – they gave up one walk, one. Oh, and struck out six. It may have been the best they’ve looked, collectively, all season.

Stats that mattered

• Hammel had a very good game – 5.0IP, 2R, 4H, 2BB, 4Ks, 1HR
• The bullpen was elite-level tonight, just toxic – 4.0IP, 0R, 0H, 1BB
• Welcome back Dex! – 3-for-4, 2R, 3RBIs, 1BB, 1HR, 2B
• Addison Russell had a solid evening and he’s been hitting very well lately – 2-for-4, 1R, 3B

Bottom line

That was darn fun. To see Dexter back and making the impact he did tonight was just so freaking cool. Games like these make it things so exciting and fun. Just a great night all around.

Next up

John Lackey (7-6, 3.75 ERA) will take the mound tomorrow night at 6:10 PM CDT as the Cubs meet the Brewers at Miller Park.