The Chicago Cubs brought the thunder against the New York Mets as they totaled 39 runs in the series sweep to maintain a three game lead in the Central.
The debut of Chicago Cubs‘ rookie Jen-Ho Tseng was a little rocky, but the offense made sure he wasn’t going to start off his career with a loss. The Cubs were down early, but that didn’t last long. They rallied to tie the game, then blew it wide open to finish the sweep of the New York Mets.
The Cubs (80-66) needed a spot start as Joe Maddon decided to move Mike Montgomery to the bullpen. Tseng was in town to get his Cubs’ MiLB Pitcher of the Year Award, so why not? Tseng lasted just three innings, allowing five runs but did strike out six. It was the back-to-back home runs in the third that did his night in.
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The Mets (63-83) were only looking to get about 75 pitches out of starter Seth Lugo (6-5, 5.21). Unfortunately, that was enough pitches for the Cubs to do their damage. With the Cubs down 5-3, Anthony Rizzo homered for his 32nd of the year to cut the lead to one. It was part of a 3-for-4 night for Rizzo.
The Cubs opened things up in the fourth inning. Jon Jay, Kris Bryant and Rizzo all doubled consecutively to take an 8-5 lead. Ian Happ finished the scoring in the fourth with a sacrifice fly to make it 9-5, Cubs.
Super-sub extraordinaire Albert Almora did it again, doubling in two runs in the sixth inning for the 11-5 lead. Jason Heyward finished off the scoring for the night with a three-run home run to left as the Cubs put up 14 on the Mets.
What’s Next?
The Cubs will host the Cardinals as they come in for a big three-game set for the weekend. John Lackey (11-11, 4.65) will face off against the Cards Carlos Martinez (11-10, 3.33) in the series opener.
Next: Cubs give MiLB honor to Tseng, Caratini
Game time is 1:20 p.m. CT from Wrigley Field. ABC-7 will again have the television broadcast today, while 670 the Score will have the radio broadcast.