Kyle Schwarber sparks Cubs in blowout win over the Indians

Cubs return the favor in Cleveland

The Chicago Cubs jumped all over veteran Shaun Marcum early on in the game by driving in six runs during the second inning in the 17-0 blowout win over the Cleveland Indians.

Things were silent yesterday for the boys in blue as they managed to record only four hits in the 6-0 loss. Rookie catcher Kyle Schwarber got things going with an RBI triple to right field on a ball that just rolled underneath the glove of first baseman Carlos Santana.

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Chicago kept things going shortly after Schwarber knocked in Chris Coghlan, right fielder Chris Denorfia doubled to left field to drive in the prospect to make it 2-0.

Shortly after David Ross grounded out to third base, second baseman Addison Russell clubbed a two-run shot to deep left field that brought Denorfia around to score to extend the early lead to 4-0.

With Dexter Fowler standing on first following a base hit, all-star hopeful and first baseman, Anthony Rizzo connected on the second two-run big fly of the inning to make it 6-0. Rizzo put so much into the pitch, he ended up on one knee and watched his towering blast soar towards the fans sitting in the bleachers.

Tonight’s starter, Tsuyoshi Wada, worked into the seventh inning for the first time this season. Prior to today’s outing, Wada (1-1, 3.68 ERA) has only made it through 5 2/3 before handing things over to the bullpen in hopes of keeping the team in the game. 

The 30-year-old southpaw worked seven scoreless innings, holding this Cleveland lineup to only four hits while issuing two walks and recording six strikeouts. He lasted five innings longer than his counterpart as Marcum (3-2, 5.40 ERA) was pulled after just two frames.

Schwarber played a huge part in today’s win, going 4-for-5 and adding his second RBI of the game during a four-run third inning. Denorfia launched his first home run as a Cub on a three-run homer to left-center field which made it 10-0.

For awhile, rookie third baseman Kris Bryant was the only Cub without a hit until the sixth inning. Bryant extended his hitting streak to 13 games on a single to center field.

The Cubs added onto their lead after Schwarber reached on an infield single in the ninth with Ross in the batter’s box. Ross would fly to center field but rookie shortstop Francisco Lindor failed to bring in the routine pop-fly, allowing Coghlan to cross home plate.

With David Murphy on the mound, yes a position player – Bryant recorded his first RBI of the game on his first career grand slam that went over center-fielder Mike Aviles‘s head, making it 17-0.

While the Cubs pulled through tonight’s victory with only two pitchers (Wada, Yoervis Medina), Terry Francona went through eight relievers including his starting pitcher in hopes of slowing this young team down.

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