Cubs Hairston Slams Diamondbacks

Alfonso Soriano hit a two out, two run wind aided homer into the left center field basket in the bottom of the first. Diamondbacks starter Wade Miley has struggled in 2013 after a runner up Rookie of the Year performance last year and the Cubs made sure the lefty continued his down year. Scott Hairston blew the game open with a grand slam in the bottom of the third, as the veteran right fielder tries to snap out of a slumping season of his own. David DeJesus had singled, Anthony Rizzo had doubled, and Soriano had been intentionally walked to set the stage for Hairston.

May 31, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Scott Hairston (21) hits a 3RBI home run during the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Reid Compton-USA TODAY Sports

Cody Ransom added a solo shot of his own in the same frame for good measure and the Cubs were well on their way to another rout. On the bump, Matt Garza bounced back from a terrible second start of the season. The righty was pretty much in control all afternoon, with the only hiccup coming in the sixth, when he allowed a pair of runs on three hits and a sac fly. Garza tallied a quality start with four strikeouts for his first W of 2013.

Cubs relievers James Russell and Carlos Villanueva coasted with the big lead to finish off the game and the win streak has hit an exciting five in a row. It has been a joy to see pitching, offense, bullpen, and defense all working together to produce winning baseball this week.