Chicago Cubs News: Cubs win 5th straight, look for 2nd straight sweep

The Chicago Cubs got an excellent start from Mike Montgomery as they beat the Cincinnati Reds 9-3, and will aim for their 2nd consecutive sweep on Thursday.

The Chicago Cubs continue to be one of the hottest teams in the National League, winning their fifth straight game with a 9-3 victory over the Reds. Mike Montgomery did a remarkable job filling in for the injured Jon Lester, throwing six shutout innings. Kyle Schwarber and Tommy La Stella each homered while Jason Heyward drove in two to help lead the Cubs.

Addison Russell is nearing a return to the Cubs lineup, which will lead to a huge question for Joe Maddon. What to do with Javier Baez? With as hot as he’s been, the Cubs simply can’t take him out of the lineup. The Cubs still have a pretty versatile lineup, so Maddon can move guys around to get Baez playing time. But sitting on the bench will be the last place Cubs’ fans would want to see him.

John Lackey didn’ t have his best start in his last outing against the Reds, but he’s been reliable. Lackey is generally going to give you six innings of three run baseball. Down the stretch–especially with Lester injured–Lackey will e the X-factor for the Cubs and just how successful they can be. Didn’t think you’d be hearing that this season, did you?

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Cubs win 5th straight over Reds’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Russell nears return, how will Baez be affected?’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Lackey a deciding factor in playoff push’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Determining the value of La Stella’ – Cubbies Crib

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