Chicago Cubs: Kyle Hendricks, offense shut down Phillies 17-2

CINCINNATI, OH - AUGUST 23: Anthony Rizzo hits a double in the third inning of the Chicago Cubs against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on August 23, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - AUGUST 23: Anthony Rizzo hits a double in the third inning of the Chicago Cubs against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on August 23, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Kyle Hendricks dominates and the Chicago Cubs hit back-to-back homers and score seven in the seventh as they roll over the Philadelphia Phillies 17-2.

9. Final. 2. 6. 17

The Chicago Cubs picked up with the second game of their series with the Philadelphia Phillies Saturday evening from Citizens Bank Park.

Kyle Hendricks got down early when rookie phenom Rhys Hoskins hit his 10th home run in just 17 career games in the first inning. Hendricks and the Cubs, however, rebounded in a big way as they pounded the Phillies Saturday 17-2.

Power surge

Chicago hit six home runs on the night including two from Anthony Rizzo and Tommy La StellaKris Bryant hit his 24th as part of back-to-back jacks with Rizzo in the 5th. Ben Zobrist added extra insurance in the 9th.

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On the night Bryant went 2-for-3 and was on base four times. Rizzo had three hits as part of a five RBI night. Alex Avila just missed a grand slam in the 7th as he knocked in two with a double to extend the lead 9-2.

Phillies’ starter Ben Lively lasted five innings allowing six earned runs and five hits. He struck out eight and walked two. Albert Almora had a RBI and La Stella had a 3-hit, 4-RBI night.

Even Hendricks got in on the fun. He ripped a double to put the Cubs ahead 13-2 as part of a 7-run 7th inning. He had two hits in the 7th inning.

From the pitching perspective, Hendricks had one of his best outings. He went seven innings, striking out eight and only allowing two runs. Hendricks was economical with his pitches, throwing just 90 on the night.

Chicago’s six home runs ties a season-high.

Next: Future plans for Almora and Happ?

What’s next

In the series finale, it’ll be John Lackey (10-9, 4.90 ERA) versus Aaron Nola (9-9, 3.58 ERA).

First pitch is set for 12:35 pm C.T. from Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.