Chicago Cubs: Early offensive surge sparks win over Colorado Rockies

Jake Arrieta took the ball for the Chicago Cubs Sunday, and the slumbering bats woke up in a big way, bashing their way past the Colorado Rockies 7-5.

The wind was blowing straight out Sunday afternoon at Wrigley Field, the perfect opportunity for a struggling Chicago Cubs‘ offense to get started. That’s exactly what happened, as the team erupted for a dozen hits to close out a 10-game homestand.

Offensive jumpstart

Anthony Rizzo mashed a first-inning RBI double, and the Cubs clubbed four home runs on the day against the Colorado Rockies.

Clean-up hitter Ben Zobrist (2-for -4) delivered a three-run home run, while Addison Russell and Kyle Schwarber played back-to-back in the sixth. Miguel Montero added insurance in the eighth.

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The home run was Russell’s first since May 16.

Jon Jay provided the Cubs what they needed atop the lineup, doubling and going 2-for-5. The first four Cubs hitters went 6-for-16 with four RBI.

Bullpen bailout

Jake Arrieta, who has pitched much better of late, continued his fine form early on before succumbing to trouble in the fifth inning. A no-out, bases-loaded walk to DJ LeMahieu opened the Rockies’ scoring. Mark Reynolds and Ian Desmond each had RBI singles.

On the day, Arrieta allowed four runs on five hits and struck out three. He lasted just 4 1/3 innings, breaking a string of five consecutive six-inning starts.

The tandem of Carl Edwards Jr., Koji Uehara and Wade Davis closed it out for the Cubs. Edwards limited damage and Uehara pitched two perfect innings. Davis picked up his 13th consecutive save.

After winning the first five, Sunday’s 7-5 win over the Rockies gave the Cubs a 6-4 homestand edge. They’ll be on the road with six games over the next seven days against the Mets and Pirates.

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What’s next

The Chicago Cubs hit the road as they battle the New York Mets. First pitch from Citi Field is at 6:10 p.m. CT.

Right-hander John Lackey (4-6, 5.12 ERA) takes the mound for Chicago opposite Jacob deGrom (4-4, 4.75. ERA) for New York.