Chicago Cubs News: Cubs top the Cards in Fowler’s return

The Chicago Cubs welcomed back Dexter Fowler and gave him his World Series ring before yesterday’s game. He then hit a leadoff home run (sweet last November, not now) before the Cubs ended up beating the Cardinals 3-2 on Friday.

Dexter Fowler only spent two years with the Chicago Cubs but he made an indelible impression. The Cardinals returned to start a three-game series on Friday and Fowler was presented with his ring from teammates. His play and his personality made him one of the favorites of fans and teammates, and many were sad to see him go. We’re always happy to see him do well when the outcome is as it was yesterday. 😉

The Cubs’ offense still wasn’t at 100% effectiveness but did what it needed to in the 3-2 win over the Cardinals. Jason Heyward had a big day with a double that almost left the park, and a critical sacrifice fly out to push across the eventual game-winning run. Anthony Rizzo made one of the crucial plays of the game when he went from second to third on an important bit of baserunning on Ben Zobrist‘s groundout.

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The Cubs are going to need strong pitching during this homestand, and while it didn’t start well, John Lackey gave them that in the end. Lackey tossed seven innings allowing just four hits and two runs as the Cubs began with a win. He didn’t factor in the decision but kept them in it long enough to get the victory.

Joe Maddon decided to shake up the lineup on Friday, placing Ian Happ in the leadoff spot and dropping Kyle Schwarber to the seventh spot. The Cubs did get the victory, but the offense still was a struggle collecting just five hits and scoring just the three runs. It was the little things that helped get the win, but there still may be work to do as Maddon tries to find the right combination.

These stories and more that you might have missed:

‘Fowler’s smile; Legendary moments with the Cubs’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs snap losing streak behind Heyward’s big game’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Brewers-Dodgers set NL strikeout record’ – MLB.com

‘Maddon shakes things up with lineup change’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Homestand provides Cubs chance at redemption’ – Cubbies Crib

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