Chicago Cubs: Opening Week is here and the Cubs are ready to charge

On Thursday, the Chicago Cubs began their 2019 campaign with Jon Lester on the bump against the Texas Rangers. It’s time to buckle up and brace for an intense N.L. Central race.

The first game is in the books and our Chicago Cubs matched the reigning N.L. Central champions with a win of their own. No, this isn’t a dream – baseball is back, folks.

For shortstop Javier Baez, another National League MVP run may be in the cards for the young powerhouse. Last year, Baez was neck and neck with Milwaukee’s Christian Yelich in their hunt for MVP honors.

Unfortunately for Javier, voting went in favor of Yelich as Milwaukee reached the National League Championship Series. However, the Brewers were unable to survive Clayton Kershaw and the relentless Dodgers.

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Now, we’ve hit the reset button and find ourselves on the right foot. Despite Lester giving up an early two-run homer to Elvis Andrus, this lineup did not flinch, piling it on the Texas Rangers late in the game.

I won’t base the season on one game but watching these guys working counts and scoring with runners on is a positive sign for what is to come.

Not to mention, they chased Mike Minor out of the game. A man who has certainly had this clubs number over the years but was unable to keep them at bay in Game 1 of 162.

Here’s a peek at what to expect next.

Familiar Face

Looking ahead, Maddon and company will find themselves in Milwaukee. This is after a three-game stop in Atlanta before opening up Wrigley Field against the Pirates on April 8. Once the Bucs leave the Windy City, Tommy La Stella, Albert Pujols, and Mike Trout‘s massive contract extension make their way in.

It’ll be great to see La Stella, who will undoubtedly receive a loud standing ovation when it’s his turn to take his at-bat. Tommy was traded to the Angels over the offseason, opening the door for Daniel Descalso.

Near the end of the month, Kershaw and the Dodgers will round out the final homestand of April beginning April 23. Talks of their battle during the 2016 NLCS will surely be relived as it set the table for the Cubs taking down the Cleveland Indians for their first World Series title in over 100 years.

Enjoy It

We’ve been through it all, Cubs fans. We cried, watched in terror, and celebrated with strangers in the streets when it was our time to conquer the world of baseball. What we can’t do is lose faith in this team.

They won’t quit on us and have proved that over the years. We, as a fan base, must return the favor even when times get rough. So, what that being said; it’s time to bust out the grills, grab yourself a cold beverage and watch our Cubs charge forward.

Fly The W. Always.