Three Chicago Cubs homer in 9-5 win over the Rockies

Cubs go back-to-back in win vs Rockies

Prior to Saturday evening’s contest, the Chicago Cubs offense has been somewhat quiet, only driving in three in as many games to start off the year. They finally showed signs of life as Starlin Castro, Chris Coghlan, and Mike Olt recorded solo home runs in the 9-5 win over the Colorado Rockies.

Both Coghlan and Olt drilled back-to-back opposite field home runs in the top of the third inning, extending the Cubs early lead to 5-2 after Colorado closed the gap in the bottom half of the second. Some thought Anthony Rizzo would be the first Cub to homer this season.

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After starting pitcher Jason Hammel and Arismendy Alcantara managed to get themselves on base in the top half of the second inning, outfielder Dexter Fowler drove in both men on his second triple of the evening, giving the Cubs (2-2) the 3-0 early advantage.

Fowler tripled in his previous at-bat and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Jorge Soler.

Shortly after Fowler recorded his first RBI as a member of the North Siders, Nolan Arenado took Hammel deep on a two-run shot to left field, making it a one-run ballgame.

Hammel (1-0, 4.50 ERA) exited the game after six innings, allowing the Rockies to plate three runs (all earned) on eight hits while striking out six. He struck out Nick Hundley looking on a 92 MPH fastball to end the sixth inning with a 9-3 lead in his back-pocket. He lasted an inning longer than his counterpart, Kyle Kendrick.

Kendrick (1-1, 6.00 ERA) was drilled by Cubs hitters as he managed to give up eight earned runs on as many hits. Starlin Castro crushed a first-pitch change-up to left field to start off the top of the fifth inning off Kendrick, padding the Cubs lead to 6-3.

With the Rockies (4-1) issuing back-to-back walks to start off the top of the sixth inning, Soler made it a 7-3 game on a RBI single to center field, pushing Alcantara across to score. Soler would later find himself crossing home plate on a RBI single by Castro, who finished the game 3-for-5.

Colorado fought back during the bottom of the eighth inning, receiving run support from early Rockies’ MVP Corey Dickerson. Dickerson drove in both Troy Tulowitzki and Nolan Arenado to score on a RBI single off Phil Coke, making it a 9-5 game. They would fail to capitalize on a lead-off double in the bottom half of the ninth by Charlie Blackmon as they would pick up their first loss of the season.

What Stood Out: 

The fact that the Cubs offense got off to a slow start to begin the year was a bit concerning, but tonight showed signs of nothing but promises with the three home runs courtesy of the middle of their lineup.

While Castro, Coghlan, and Olt went deep, Fowler showed Cubs fans why Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer made the decision to trade for him in exchange for Luis Valbuena and Dan Straily. This man really knows how to get on base.

What’s Next: 

Tomorrow afternoon’s rubber match will showcase both Kyle Hendricks and Jordan Lyles. Hendricks (0-0, 0.00 ERA) is coming off a stellar 2014 big league debut with the Cubs after picking up 13 starts. The 25-year-old hard-throwing rookie finished the year with a 7-2 record, a 47/15 K/BB ratio, 1.08 WHIP while posting a solid 2.46 ERA.

Lyles (1-0, 3.00 ERA) is coming off a quality start against the Milwaukee Brewers just four days ago. In six innings of work against the Brew Crew, Colorado’s 24-year-old hurler allowed only two runs on five hits while recording two strikeouts in the 5-2 win over Chicago’s N.L. Central rival.

First pitch is scheduled for 3:10 pm central time and will be aired live on both WGN and WBBM 780.

Next: Bryant, Russell Can't Save Cubs' Offense