Lester, Cubs Power Past the Padres Behind Long Ball

It was a home run party tonight as the Chicago Cubs (79-45) blasted three home runs on their way to a 5-1 victory (Box Score) over the San Diego Padres (53-72). Home runs by Addison Russell in the 2nd inning, Kris Bryant and Jason Heyward in the fifth inning, accounted for four of the Cubs’ five runs.

For Addison Russell, it was his third home run in two days. He had two home runs on Sunday in Colorado, one that measured 465 feet and the other he deposited right into a trash can, which three not-so-gentlemanly gentlemen proceeded to dig through while fending each other off as they searched for the ball.

For Kris Bryant, it was his league-leading 32nd home run of the year. He now has four home runs in his last five games for the Cubs.

Jon Lester had a great game, dominating Padres hitters through six innings while giving up only three hits. He came on in the seventh inning and gave up back-to-back lead off singles so Joe Maddon decided to pull him. Justin Grimm came on in relief and uncorked a wild pitch that ended up scoring a runner from third base for the Padres. That run was charged to Lester.

Travis Wood and Carl Edwards, Jr. would close out the eighth and ninth innings in scoreless relief.

Stats that mattered

• Lester was in the zone – 6.0IP, 1R, 5H, 2BB, 8Ks
• The bullpen was fantastic – 3.0IP, 0R, 1H, 6Ks
• Addison Russell is growing into a superstar right before our eyes – 1-for-4, 1R, 2RBI, HR
• Anthony Rizzo is so darn good, I almost feel bad for other teams – 4-for-5, 1R, 2B
• Bryant keeps pounding the ball – 1-for-5, 1R, 1RBI, HR

Bottom line

The Cubs got off to a good start tonight behind a dominating outing by Jon Lester. It’s more of the same for the Cubs and a microcosm of their entire season. Solid pitching, thundering offense, lock down defense and it all equals another Cubs’ win.

Next up

The Cubs take on the Padres for the second of their three-game series on Tuesday at 9:10 PM CT – another late one. Jake Arrieta (15-5, 2.75 ERA) takes the ball for the Cubs.