Chicago Cubs: Team opens homestand on high note with win over Pirates

Thanks to Sean Rodriguez‘s defensive miscues and Mike Montgomery‘s strong outing, the Chicago Cubs picked up their 70th win of the year on Monday night.

With questions looming about the Chicago Cubs’ rotation in 2018 and beyond, Mike Montgomery is doing his best to earn a spot in the team’s plans. He pitched into the eighth on Monday, leading the Cubs to a series-opening win over Pittsburgh.

Ian Happ, Anthony Rizzo, Alex Avila and Albert Almora Jr. all drove in runs in the win, Chicago’s 70th of the season. More importantly, perhaps, Wrigley Field organist Gary Pressy played his 2,500th consecutive Wrigley Field game Monday – and the Cubs helped him celebrate accordingly.

In other Cubs news, Sammy Sosa – tarnished legacy and all – will likely hear his name in the news a lot in the next month. Miami Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton already boasts 50 long-balls and has a shot at taking down some big-time home run records. Will he eclipse Sosa’s tainted 66 homer mark? What about Babe Ruth and Roger Maris‘ more attainable 60 and 61-homer campaigns?

With the win and the Brewers’ off-day, Chicago picked up a half-game in the NL Central standings. The Cardinals were also out-of-action Monday. The Cubs handled their business when they needed to. Now, they’ll hand the ball to Jake Arrieta in Tuesday’s showdown with Pittsburgh. The right-hander has been white-hot since the All-Star Break.

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Next: Sosa's home run record in range of Marlins' Stanton

What’s Next

Jake Arrieta (13-8, 3.49) takes the ball on Tuesday night at Wrigley. Right-hander Chad Kuhl (6-9, 4.42) opposes him for the Pirates. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. CT.

CSN Chicago carries the television broadcast and 670 WSCR AM will have the radio call.