Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (Simulated Game 34): Cubs 9, D-Backs 0 – Javy Homers Twice in Romp

The Chicago Cubs (22-12) continued their excellent play against the Arizona Diamondbacks (12-21) in Phoenix Saturday. A quality start combined with a big day at the plate for Javy Báez led to a Chicago romp, via MLB The Show 20.

Kris Bryant led off the game with a single against Robbie Ray and later came around to score on an RBI single from Kyle Schwarber. The Cubs added against the D-Backs lefty in the 5th inning when Báez homered. Schwarber followed with a double and would score on a triple from Willson Contreras to increase the lead to 3-0.

José Quintana was very solid in his seven innings of shutout work. Control was a bit of an issue as he scattered four walks, but he was able to strand all eight baserunners he allowed. Not that it mattered much since his teammates were removed all of the remaining drama in the game in the 6th inning.

Mike Leake took over for Ray and walked David Bote, Nico Hoerner, and Bryant to load the bases with one out. Anthony Rizzo then singled home a run and a bases-loaded walk to Javy forced in another. Contreras then singled to make it a full touchdown lead for the Cubs: 7-0.

El Mago put the cherry on top of the Saturday sundae with a two-run bomb in the 8th inning to increase the lead to 9-0.

Notes: The win assures the Cubs another winning series as their surge continues. The rout allowed the bullpen to mostly rest other than Casey Sadler and Danny Hultzen.

Key Players:

Bryant – 2-for-3, 2 BB, 2 R
Báez – 2-for-4, BB, 3 R, 2 HR, 4 RBI
Contreras – 2-for-5, 3B, 3 RBI
Quintana – 7 IP, 4 H, 4 BB, 0 ER, 8 K
Varsho – 2-for-3, HBP
Calhoun – 1-for-3, BB

Winning Pitcher – Quintana (3-2)
Losing Pitcher – Ray (3-1)
Save – None
Home Runs – Baez 2 (8)