Sometimes, games like this are the toughest box scores to write up! There was almost a limitless supply of goodness from start to finish.
for example, Kyle Hendricks was once again excellent tonight, going six innings with 7 strikeouts and just one walk. Technically, he allowed two earned runs, but one of them scored only because of that scary collision between Nico Hoerner and David Bote (Bote leaving the game with an injured shoulder was one of the only bummers of the night).
David Ross even decided – finally – to take his starter out BEFORE letting him go batter-to-batter and giving his reliever a dirty inning. I liked that.
Patrick Wisdom had a three-hit, two–homer, 6 RBI night, and he basically accounted for seven of the Cubs runs batted in, because one scored on a ball he put in play that turned into an error early on.
Ian Happ reached base three times in four plate appearances tonight, a feat he also accomplished yesterday.
Christopher Morel went 5-5 with a double and another home run. He’s not 7-9 with a double and two homers since he being moved out of the leadoff spot during his slump.
Narciso Crook made his major league debut, notching his first hit (an RBI double) before adding another hit later in the game. And the Cubs OTHER young outfielder, Nelson Velasquezhad a double of his own.
Nico Hoerner had a three-hit night, raising his batting average to .310.
and even P.J. Higgins had another great night at the plate (3-5, HR), as he continues to look like a legitimate backup/bench option for the Cubs next season (… or maybe the second half of this season).
It wasn’t all roses – Rowan Wick had yet another rough outing (we’ll look into that more tomorrow) – but it’s hard to complain when you grab 15 runs on 23 hits with just FOUR strikeouts.
Cubs win the game, Cubs win the series. That’s a good night.
Full Box Score.