Chicago Cubs offense returns; Hammel strong again in 9-0 win

Apr 24, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo hits a two-run home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo hits a two-run home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs offense put on a display on Sunday while Jason Hammel lowered his ERA to 0.75 in their 9-0 victory over the Reds


Maybe they were angry. The

Chicago Cubs

aren’t losing very often, and the pitching had let them down last night.

Anthony Rizzo

saw his three-game home run streak end on Saturday, but he made up for it with two big flies on Sunday in support of six strong innings from Jason Hammel in a 9-0 drubbing of the Cincinnati Reds.

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The Cubs (14-5) wasted no time getting to the Reds (9-10) starting pitcher Alfredo Simon (0-2, 16.39). For the second straight game against the Cubs, he struggled as they scored eight times in the first three innings. With Tommy La Stella filling in for Dexter Fowler the Cubs didn’t miss a beat. La Stell went 3-for-5 with three runs scored and a home run while the 1-4 hitters went a combined 11-for-17 with eight RBIs and three home runs.

Hammel (3-0, 0.75) went just six innings but was effective even though not efficient. He walked just two but saw several more full counts than usual as he hit 96 pitches before being removed. But his seven strikeouts and three hits allowed were more than enough with the high octane Cubs today.

Jason Heyward came to life at the plate with a 4-for-5 afternoon that included a double, three RBIs and a stolen base. Kris Bryant had two hits also as he raised his average to a respectable .278. Rizzo’s two home runs also helped lift him above the Mendoza line to .203.

Next: Cubs have played great in April

After 19 games, the Cubs are yet to lose back-to-back games this season. The Cubs will now return home for a two series set against the Brewers and Braves starting Tuesday evening.

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