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Chicago Cubs: Jon Lester settles in, offense comes through in win
By Jake Misener
After allowing a first-inning three-run shot, Jon Lester settled in to lead the Chicago Cubs to a 5-3 win over the Miami Marlins Saturday afternoon.
Chicago Cubs left-hander Jon Lester showed exactly why he’s the ace of this ball club on Saturday at Marlins Park. After taking a blow in the first, allowing a three-run homer, he picked himself up and dominated, leading his team to a big win over the Miami Marlins.
Lester, who threw nearly 110 pitches in the effort, allowed just four base hits over seven innings of work, striking out four and walking just one. He set down more than a dozen-straight in the middle innings, allowing the Cubs to coast to the win.
After Ian Happ staked Chicago (38-36) to a 1-0 lead with a first-inning single, Miami backstop J.T. Realmuto took Lester deep. He drove a hanging 1-1 breaking ball deep into the seats in left, giving the Marlins an early advantage. However, those runs proved to be the only damage inflicted against Lester.
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The Cubs tied things up in the fourth, scoring two runs against Marlins starter Justin Nicolino.
Addison Russell led things off with a single. After advancing to second on an Ian Happ sac bunt, Javier Baez singled to left, allowing Russell to score.
Albert Almora Jr. continued the inning with an opposite-field double, tying the game 3-3.
Baez does it all in victory
Baez, who drove in three with a double and a single in the win, delivered what proved to be the game-winner in the sixth.
With men at second and third and nobody out, Baez shortened up his stroke, driving the 2-2 pitch into right field, scoring both Russell and Happ. He also slapped down a quick tag on an impressive caught-stealing attempt of Dee Gordon in the sixth at third base.
Next: Evaluating a potential Cubs-Wood reunion
What’s Next
Chicago and Miami conclude their weekend series Sunday afternoon.
Mike Montgomery (1-3, 2.36) takes the ball for the Cubs and Edinson Volquez (3-8, 4.19) opposes him for Miami. First pitch is at 12:10 p.m. CT at Marlins Park.