Chicago Cubs: Offense leads the charge again in blowout win over Baltimore

For the second-straight night, the Chicago Cubs’ offense put up a big number, leading the way in a second consecutive win over the Baltimore Orioles.

Given how the first half ended, starting the second half with 18 runs in two games bodes well for the Chicago Cubs. The offense has been electric coming out of the All-Star Break and it continued Saturday night in a 10-3 blowout win.

Chicago (45-45) got a very solid start from Jake Arrieta in his return to Baltimore for the first time since joining the Cubs. The right-hander pitched into the seventh, allowing just one earned run on four hits. What makes this effort even more impressive is the fact he threw nearly 30 pitches in the first inning alone. He made key adjustments and worked deep into the ballgame – one night after the Cubs’ pen imploded.

Albert Almora Jr. opened the scoring in the top of the third with a solo blast. The next frame, Addison Russell got in on the fun, smacking his ninth homer of the year. The Chicago shortstop has now homered in back-to-back games.

Chicago Cubs

Almora added an RBI single later in the frame, pushing the Cubs’ lead to 3-0. In the top of the fifth, outfielder Jason Heyward drove a Wade Miley fastball off the wall in center, scoring three with a bases-clearing triple. From there, the Chicago offense just kept rolling.

Javier Baez scored Heyward with an RBI single, making it 7-0. After Baltimore got one back in the bottom of the frame, Chicago got it right back in the sixth. Willson Contreras doubles to score Kris Bryant, capping an all-around strong game for the Cubs’ catcher.

In the top of the eighth, Anthony Rizzo got his second half started with a solo home run. The blast is his team-leading 21st homer. Baez singled, scoring Addison Russell in the ninth, capping the scoring for Chicago.

Kris Bryant went 3-for-5 in the ballgame. Contreras and Baez also had three-hit efforts. Heyward went 2-for-4 with three RBI and two runs in the game.

What’s Next

Chicago goes for the sweep on Sunday afternoon in Baltimore. First pitch is at 12:35 p.m. CT.

Jose Quintana makes his Cubs debut and Ubaldo Jimenez starts for the Orioles.

Next: Quintana first step in reloaded 2018 rotation