Chicago Cubs: Takeaways from the series win over the Los Angeles Dodgers

Offense showing signs of life in finale

If you turn on a highlight show, there are three things you’ll see from Thursday’s win:

1. Almora robbing Corey Seager not one – but twice – in center field
2. Addison Russell cranking a monster shot onto Waveland
3. Anthony Rizzo lining a ball into the seats for his first homer

Chicago Cubs

By all indications, that’s a solid day at the ballpark. But if you dive into the numbers a little more, the recent lack of extra-base hits looms large.

The Cubs managed only three extra-base hits on Thursday; two of which came via the aforementioned home runs. Willson Contreras added a double to get in on the fun, but the team’s other five hits were all singles.

With runners in scoring position, Chicago went 2-for-9 (.222). Kyle Schwarber and Kris Bryant combined for a 1-for-6 day with four punch-outs. Not exactly encouraging for two guys batting .212 and .229, respectively.

What it all comes down to is this: Chicago has won three-straight series without the offense firing anywhere close to full power. Once the big bats get going, the Cubs go from a good team to a legitimate 100-plus win club (especially if the staff keeps rolling).