Jason Hammel sharp in Chicago Cubs 5-1 win vs Marlins

Castro homers; Hammel hooks 11 Fish

The Chicago Cubs started the nine-game road trip with a bang, receiving early run support while starting pitcher Jason Hammel recorded 11 strikeouts across 6 2/3 frames in the 5-1 win over the Miami Marlins.

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First baseman Anthony Rizzo got things going for the Cubs shortly after Dexter Fowler led off the game with a first-pitch single, driving him in on an RBI double to center field.

With the Cubs (27-22) looking to add yet another run in the very first inning with runners in scoring position, Jorge Soler grounded into a double play that allowed Kris Bryant to cross home plate, making it 2-0.

Hammel (4-2, 2.82 ERA) was in control the entire game despite giving up an earned run in the bottom half of the fourth. Marlins’ (20-32) slugger Giancarlo Stanton singled on a sharp line drive to Soler, then stole second base on a pitch that was thrown in the dirt with Hammel on the mound, putting himself in scoring position.

With Justin Bour in the plate with one out, Stanton then stole third base only to find himself crossing home plate on a throwing error by catcher Miguel Montero. Stanton finished the game 1-for-4 with two of Hammel’s 11 strikeouts while leaving two on base.

Rookie Jose Urena entered the game with an ERA just under 10 but was able to drop it by several points. Chicago jumped on him early, tagging him for three earned runs on four hits in six innings before Miami turned to their bullpen.

Despite a fielding error, shortstop Starlin Castro had one of the best defensive plays of the entire week by a Cubs player, robbing speedy infielder Dee Gordon of what could have been extra bases. Castro found himself making a diving play in left center, lying face down in the grass with his glove in the air, showing the umpires that he did, in fact, make the play.

He later added another run to Chicago’s 4-1 lead following a Kris Bryant RBI double in the seventh with a moon shot to left field – his fourth homer of the season.

These two teams will continue their series with yet another evening game as Kyle Hendricks (1-1, 3.76 ERA) takes on Brad Hand (0-1, 4.50 ERA) at 6:10p.m. central time.

Next: Is Chris Coghlan Ready To Breakout?