Chicago Cubs press the power button in win over the Diamondbacks

Following two strong offensive games, the Chicago Cubs found themselves in a ‘mini-slump.’ After scoring just four runs the first two games, they exploded for three home runs in the win over Arizona.

It seems that if the Chicago Cubs David Bote goes a few games without being the focus of the offense, he has an innate ability to make that happen. Bote hit two home runs, then got plunked, causing a fracas on the infield. No punches were exchanged as it was a relatively quiet incident. But former Diamondbacks player Daniel Descalso seemed to be as irritated as anyone. Being a former teammate, maybe he knew something we didn’t.

With Bote’s performance and the Cubs victory, it kept Yu Darvish from being the central story of the game, although he did get the win in 6+ innings of work. But the way it started didn’t look promising for him in the first. Before the inning was over, Darvish had loaded the bases with just one out, then managed to escape without any damage. But his pitch count appeared it was going to keep him from going five innings.

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But Darvish was able to recover with a couple of quick and solid innings, striking out eight in 6+ innings of work. I’ve complimented his progress but wanted to see results. I got a little of both in last night’s game–but I’ll take it.

The four walks are still a negative on his line, especially because he’s a strikeout pitcher. Pitching to contact isn’t his forte, so walks and strikeouts will lead to high pitch counts. Better result, but still is something for him to work on.

After Bote hit two home runs, he took one in the stomach from a pitch by Matt Koch. Bote was upset, then said something toward Koch. But he quickly apologized, just as he had for his ‘bat flip’ on his GW grand slam against the Nationals. Of course, once words are said, everyone has to come onto the field.

Bote was probably the calmest on the field as after he patted his chest and said ‘my bad,’ he ran down to first without another glance at Koch. Several pitches in last night game got away from both Darvish and D’Backs starter Zack Godley. I don’t think any were intentional, nor do I believe Koch’s was. But after you hit two home runs, you can never be too sure. Both sides retreated to their dugouts and the shenanigans were over.

Kyle Ryan was another bright spot for the Cubs, pitching two scoreless innings while striking out two. He’s lowered his ERA to 1.80, and with the Randy Rosario move has become the key lefty out of the bullpen.

The Chicago Cubs will face Arizona in the series finale today with the red-hot Jose Quintana (3-1, 3.21) taking the mound against Luke Weaver (2-1, 3.33.)