Chicago Cubs sweep Diamondbacks behind Montero’s Grand Slam

Cubs get blasts from Bryant, Montero as bullpen holds on for 6-4 win

The

completed a weekend sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks with a 6-4 win on Sunday.

hit a solo home run in the fifth–the longest in the majors this season–while

‘s grand slam in the sixth proved to be the game-winner. The Diamondbacks threatened in the ninth scoring three before

was able to halt the rally.

The Cubs (78-57) got a solid five innings from Kyle Hendricks who allowed just one run on three hits, not bad on a day the wind was blowing out from the start of the game. After being no-hit through four, the Cubs offense exploded for five runs in the sixth off starter Rubby De La Rosa (12-7, 4.49) including Montero’s bases-loaded blast. Jonathan Herrera added a solo shot into the right-field basket for the Cubs final tally.

The Diamondbacks (65-72) got an early RBI double from former Cub Welington Castillo, who would also homer in the ninth as part of the late rally off Trevor Cahill. Cahill was lifted after a walk for Pedro Strop who surrendered a two-run shot to Nick Ahmed. He then struck out Ender Inciarte to end the game and give the Cubs another sweep at Wrigley Field.

The Cubs struggled to get much going at the top of the lineup, as leadoff man Dexter Fowler was 0-for-4 with four strikeouts. The top three in the lineup were a combined 2-for-12 with five strikeouts.

Justin Grimm (3-4, 1.94) picked up the win with a scoreless inning of relief in the sixth. Fernando Rodney also pitched a scoreless inning before Cahill and Strop combined to surrender the last three runs.

Bryant’s home run hit halfway up the left-field video board (495 feet) to tie the game while also traveling further than any home run this season in the Major League’s. Montero’s didn’t travel near as far, but the timing of it was just as important.

The Cubs will travel to St. Louis tomorrow to open up a series against the first-place Cardinals. Dan Haren will take the mound against the Cards’ Lance Lynn.

Next: Maddon favoring bullpen down the stretch