Morning Marquee: Chicago Cubs extend win streak to four games

The Chicago Cubs continued to stay hot behind Anthony Rizzo who homered in his fourth-straight game in the 4-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday evening at Miller Park.

After falling victim of a sweep at the hands of the worst team in baseball being the Philadelphia Phillies, it appears that the Cubs are starting to kick it into third gear. Rookie catcher Kyle Schwarber, who has been filling in for the injured veteran Miguel Montero, padded Chicago’s lead later on in the game with a solo blast to right-center field.

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Despite the Cubs exiting Saturday’s contest with a victory, the San Fransisco Giants and New York Mets won which doesn’t necessarily help this team out in the hunt for the second Wild Card spot. Yes, the Cubs only trail the Giants by one game and find themselves going toe-to-toe with the defending champs next week, but they need to keep this win streak alive.

Reliever Jason Motte entered last night’s game in the ninth looking to slam the door on Milwaukee but would end up being replaced by recently acquired Tommy Hunter.

Prior to Hunter taking over on the mound, outfielder Jorge Soler prevented Khris Davis from making it a one-run ballgame after robbing him of a two-run homer in right field. Soler came down on the padding of the fence and was able to prevent the tagging runner from advancing an extra base once he made his way to third.

Hunter ended up recording his first save as a member of the Cubs who have won four-straight for the first time since July 20-23.

Next up, Clayton Richard will battle it out with former St. Louis Cardinal, Kyle Lohse in hopes of extending that winning streak to five games before visiting the Pirates on Monday.

This week’s schedule is a true test for this playoff-hopeful club with three games on the road against the Bucs then a four-game weekend homestand with the Giants.

They’ll need to at least take two of three over the Pirates and do whatever they can to prevent another slump with Buster Posey and company in town beginning Thursday.

Here’s more from around the league:

‘Chicago Cubs didn’t sell out, but haven’t given up‘ – Cubbies Crib

‘Boston Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino stepping down‘ – BoSox Injection

‘Injury updates on A.J. Pollock and Chase Anderson‘ – Venom Strikes

‘Cardinals Recap: Balanced scoring attack sinks St. Louis‘ – Redbird Rants

‘Miami Marlins: Players vs front-office saga continues‘ – Marlin Maniac

Next: Cubs Recap: Rizzo, Schwarber homer in win