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The Chicago Cubs notched their 11th win in a row behind a five home run barrage, led by Matt Szczur with two. The Cubs lead has now increased to 14 games.
There’s blood in the water and the Chicago Cubs know it. With 13 runs and five home runs to support him, Jake Arrieta‘s 5 2/3 innings weren’t a concern for the Cubs. Matt Szczur led the way with two homers and a double, while Jorge Soler, Javier Baez and Willson Contreras also went deep for the Cubs. They chased Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright after just two innings of work, touching him up for seven runs on just six hits.
More from Cubbies Crib
- Cubs should keep close eye on non-tender candidate Cody Bellinger
- Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
- Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
- Cubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shot
- Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups
For Szczur, I wouldn’t call it a coming out party, but more of a reminder. Szczur has been a key contributor this season, especially as a pinch-hitter. When he’s gotten the chance for the occasional start he’s been making the most of it. Not bad for a guy who seemed to be the one shuttled back and forth constantly before finally “Szczing” the opportunity. I couldn’t help myself, I avoided the puns as long as I could.
Finally, our newest addition to the Cubbies Crib family Quinn Allen takes a look at just how important the young talent has been to the Cubs success this season. Spoiler: REAL Important. These stories and others from around baseball that you might have missed.
‘Cubs back Arrieta with five homers in 13-2 win over Cards’ – Cubbies Crib
‘Szczur’s rise from obscurity to part-time star’ – Cubbies Crib
‘It’s a strange time to be a Yankees fan‘ – Yanks Go Yard
‘Young talent essential to Cubs success this season’ – Cubbies Crib
‘Hit by pitch fractures Holliday’s thumb’ – MLB.com
#Cubs on Twitter
#Cubs prospect Manuel Rondon stays unbeaten, drops his ERA to 1.27 for @EugeneEmeralds. https://t.co/91cYYCC5z6 pic.twitter.com/vWnBkMbhc4
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) August 13, 2016
The #Cubs not only have massive 14-game lead in NL Central but six-game lead for home field advantage through NL playoffs
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 13, 2016
Alarm going off at Wrigley. It's only the #Cubs on fire
— Bruce Miles (@BruceMiles2112) August 12, 2016
Be sure to like us on Facebook on follow on Twitter @CubbiesCrib. And be sure to check back later today for pregame notes and coverage for some day baseball as the Cubs and Cards will square off at 1:20 p.m. CT.