Chicago Cubs Recap: Lackey, Rizzo Lead Cubs to 14-6 Win over Arizona

The Chicago Cubs carried the lumber and banged out 14 hits in a 14-6 drubbing of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Anthony Rizzo was the hitting star for Chicago. He pounded a triple and a three-run homer in the Cubs 9th inning to drive in six RBI for the night.

John Lackey, another key off-season acquisition, had a rocky start, giving up a homer on the first pitch of the game to Jean Segura, the 2nd baseman. Lackey (1-0, 9.00 ERA) weathered the storm, getting tagged for six runs but the Cubs’ bats woke up and the Diamondbacks gave up walks, errors, and allowed wild pitches as the Cubs came marching back.

The only negative news for Chicago was the second inning outfield collision between left-field Kyle Schwarber and center fielder Dexter Fowler on a ball hit by Segura. The two Cubs collided and Schwarber was carted off the field with an apparent sprained left ankle injury.

The extent of the injury is not known pending an MRI according to Jesse Rogers on Twitter. Segura scored on an inside-the-park home run, his second of the game on the play.

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Jason Heyward, who also signed as a free agent from the Cardinals scored three runs and Ben Zobrist got on base four times with a base hit and three walks. The Cubs went out and signed him because he has a knack for getting on base.

The Diamondbacks jumped on Lackey for three quick runs in the bottom of the first. But the Cubs came back with two of their own in the top of the second inning. Anthony Rizzo was hit by a pitch, Kris Bryant doubled and Schwarber walked to load the bases. Addison Russell, known for flashing his glove, hit the lumber pretty good with a two-run single scoring Rizzo and Bryant and the Cubs were on their way.

Lackey’s earned run average after three innings was a booming 18.00. After six innings, he narrowed it a lofty 9.00. But there will be more games for Lackey to pitch deeper into games, and eat up innings. Tonight he was able to go six innings and let the bullpen, and reliever, Pedro Strop do its job.

Next: Cubs will benefit from a comfortable Lester

The Chicago Cubs are 3-0 and in rarified air. All the preseason experts picked them to be a force in the National League and go deep into post-season. It is starting off as good as it can. There are many games to play and this season is a marathon. It’s just the first week in April.

Suffice it to say, these Cubs are just getting started.