Chicago Cubs News: Bryant takes NL lead in home runs

After a heartbreaking defeat the prior night, the Chicago Cubs offense left no opportunity for late game dramatics with a 9-2 victory. Then the bullpen got a night off because of, well, the bullpen.

The Chicago Cubs offense got off to a quick start on Saturday night and never looked back. Kris Bryant’s 469-foot league leading homer may have been the highlight, but it was the supporting cast that stood out. Miguel Montero recorded his first multi-hit game of the season while driving in three. Mike Montgomery and Trevor Cahill teamed up to allow just one run each in v absence. All positional starters aside from the pitcher recorded a hit, but even Montgomery reached base on a Ryan Raburn error.

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The Cubs are paying Jason Heyward a lot of money, and his performance–offensively, at least–hasn’t been up to par. But I do believe he’s going to turn it around. Maybe it will come during the playoffs, maybe not until next spring. But he’s too talented a player, and this one at the plate easily falls under fluke over decline.

The Cubs staff has been magnificent this year, and could create some interesting issues come playoff time. Entering this season we “knew” it would be Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester and Lackey in the playoffs. But the two most consistent in the second half? Jason Hammel and NL ERA leader Kyle Hendricks (No, that’s not a typo). So what will Joe Maddon do? Once again it’s an interesting problem to have.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Cubs run Rockies out of Coors Field with 9-2 win’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Why I can’t give up on Heyward’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Yankees Gardner makes a sensational catch’ – MLB

‘Who will pitch the opening playoff game? – Cubbies Crib

‘Can Mets rebound despite rotation setbacks?’ – ESPN

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