Chicago Cubs News: Three home runs help down Pirates

The Chicago Cubs continue to add to their lead over the Pittsburgh Pirates as they’ll go for the three-game sweep on Father’s Day. Jon Lester survived a slow star and was backed by three home runs as the Cubs rallied for a 4-3 win on Saturday.

While many feel the Chicago Cubs are a “lock” for the playoffs, they aren’t taking anything for granted. A slow start from Jon Lester got support from the offense as the Cubs hit three home runs en route to a 4-3 come from behind win. David Ross hit the deciding shot in the sixth inning after executing a perfect suicide squeeze to push the Cubs first run across.

After allowing a lead-off home run to Jordy Mercer, Lester was able to limit the damage and survive six innings while his offense slowly clawed their way back into the game. The bullpen pitched three perfect innings in relief to allow the Cubs to aim for the sweep today. Dexter Fowler, who left the game with hamstring discomfort, is still up in the air and is listed as day-to-day.

The Cubs have brought up top catching prospect Willson Contreras to much excitement, but fans may want to temper that just a bit. Barring an injury, Contreras won’t be taking over for anybody. He’s proven he can hit, know he’s going to get a chance for some on the job training. He’ll likely get a start today, but it’s as much a learning experience for him as it is an audition.

One time was impressive. Twice? Now he’s just showing off. Baez used more sorcery on a slide to avoid a tag and fool an umpire, a player and most fans. When Baez finishes up his career he’ll most definitely be running a baserunning camp, at least on how to slide.

These and other stories from around baseball:

‘Cubs back Lester with three home runs in win over Bucs’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Don’t expect to see much of Contreras’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Baez shows off years of training with “magic” slide’ – MLB.com

‘Lincecum shines in his Angels debut’ – Halo Hangout

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