Chicago Cubs make it three-straight against San Francisco Giants

The Chicago Cubs’ offense was firing on all cylinders Saturday afternoon, as they topped the reigning champion San Francisco Giants by an 8-6 final.

Rookie infielder Addison Russell collected three hits, including a pair of doubles, and Kyle Schwarber reached base three times to back starter Kyle Hendricks, who was impressive yet-again for the Cubs.

Chicago (61-48) clinched the series with the win on Saturday and will look for the sweep on Sunday behind ace right-hander Jake Arrieta.

As for Hendricks, the sophomore right-hander allowed three earned on five hits, pitching into the sixth – doing more than his share to get the Cubs their ninth win in their last 10 contests.

The pivotal inning came in the eighth when Chicago, already leading 5-3, plating a trio of runs to break things wide open – thanks to the pair of aforementioned rookies.

Russell singled to center to score catcher Miguel Montero, who was sharp in his return from the disabled list, to make it 6-3, Chicago. Leadoff man Dexter Fowler then tripled into the right field corner to score Russell before coming around to score himself on an RBI single by Schwarber.

Another Chicago rookie, Kris Bryant, who struggled in the month of July, plated three runs in the win – starting in the bottom of the first with a run-scoring groundout.

However, that lead was short-lived as San Francisco first baseman Brandon Belt clubbed a two-run shot into the basket in right to make it a 2-1 Giants advantage.

Bryant wasn’t done, though, taking Giants starter Matt Cain deep in his next at-bat, a towering two-run blast to left-field to again give Chicago the lead.

With the game tied again in the bottom of the fifth, this time at four apiece, Montero welcomed himself back to the lineup, singling to center field to score Bryant and put Chicago ahead for good.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs should keep close eye on non-tender candidate Cody Bellinger
• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shot
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups

San Francisco scored three runs in the top of the ninth, with both being charged to James Russell, but it proved to be too little, too late for Bruce Bochy‘s club.

What Stood Out: 

This team is clicking at the right time, with the offense scoring five runs or more in each of the last five contests.

However, the late-inning struggles of James Russell and Jason Motte are a major concern, although the strong eighth inning by Pedro Strop and the masterful outing turned in by lefty Travis Wood are equally impressive.

What’s Next:

The Cubs will look for a series sweep on Sunday against San Francisco with Jake Arrieta taking the hill for Chicago and veteran Jake Peavy taking the ball for the Giants.

First pitch is set for 1:20 p.m. at Wrigley Field.

Next: Benching of Castro shows Cubs have turned corner