Chicago Cubs News: Baez stays hot in win; Lester’s 1st 100 games

The Chicago Cubs stayed hot as Javier Baez collected 4 hits as well as Albert Almora as they rolled to victory, 16-5. Kyle Hendricks had some trouble early on but put it in cruise en route to the win.

The Chicago Cubs started hot, went cold–and then got really hot again. Javier Baez led off the game with a two-run homer to right, his sixth of the season. Kyle Hendricks ran into some trouble in the first as Charlie Blackmon had an RBI single, followed by a Nolan Arrenado two-run shot to put the Rockies up, 3-2. From there, it was all Cubs. Baez collected three more hits, falling just a triple shy of the cycle. Kyle Schwarber connected on a three-run shot to centerfield as the runs just kept coming for the Cubs.

Jon Lester pitched in his 100th game as a Cub, and I’d have to say it has been a pretty good run. He’s been part of three NLCS teams, and of course the World Series winner of 2016. In his 100 games, he sports a record of 45-25 with a 3.33 ERA and 67 quality starts. He’s also logged three complete games as well as picking off three players. With all his quirks aside, Lester has been a value to the Cubs team. He’s still got three years to go, so let’s see what else he has in store.

A few years ago, Addison Russell was the next big thing to come out of Cubs’ camp. And in 2016, he looked to be that guy as he hit 21 home runs and collected 95 RBI. But last season was a disappointment for Russell, and there’s something we feel need to be said. While he’s capable of being a top-tier defender at shortstop, the Cubs might need to pump the brakes on the ‘superstar’ moniker. That might not be happening.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Cubs pour it on as they beat the Rockies, 16-5’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Lester’s first 100 games in Chicago’ – Cubbies Crib

‘At this point, Russell is what he is’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Series Preview: Cubs head to Rockies’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Padres come close to a no-hitter, still win game’ – MLB.com

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