Cubs Sweep Double-Header, Hammel a One Man Wrecking Crew

Jason Hammel had quite a night. He literally did it all tonight.

On the pitching side of things, Hammel was as dominant as we’ve seen him. We talked earlier about how good he’s been in the second half this year, but he was on a whole different level tonight. His pitches were crisp and his location was spot on. He’d give up only two hits over seven innings. No runs. His ERA over six games since the All-Star break is now 0.95, all six wins.

On the offensive side Hammel was 2-for-3 including a double.

The game was close through much of the night. Kris Bryant drove in David Ross in the third inning, which gave the Cubs a run and the lead behind the hot-handed Hammel. That one run felt like it might be enough on a night where Hammel was pitching so effectively.

Ben Zobrist opened up the sixth inning with a double down the left field line. Willson Contreras would single to drive Ben in and the score was 2-0. Next up, Javier Baez and he would not disappoint. He just crushed an 0-1 pitch to left center field and suddenly it felt like the score was 10-0. It was actually 4-0.

The Cubs would allow a run to score, and the bases were loaded, in the top of the ninth inning but Aroldis Chapman would shut it down. The Cubs win 4-1 (Box Score).

Stats that mattered

• Hammel was a monster – 7.0IP, oR, 2H, 3BB, 7Ks, 2-for-3 at the plate including a double
• Baez’ home run was a huge lift – 2-for-4, 1R, 2RBI, HR
• Ben Zobrist was a big-time contributor – 2-for-4, 1R, 2B

Bottom line

That got real interesting there in the ninth inning, and for a moment you even wondered….nah! The Cubs’ Aroldis Chapman slams the door and the Cubs sweep the double-header. It’s a big two games for the Cubs and quite a rebound after losing the final two against the Cardinals.

Next up

The Cubs and Brewers tangle again Wednesday night at 7:05 PM CDT. Jon Lester (12-4, 2.93 ERA) will be on the mound for the Cubs.