Chicago Cubs: Wind doesn’t stop Kyle Schwarber from hitting his 37th

The Chicago Cubs Kyle Schwarber hit a three-run homer, and the Cubs piled on for an 8-2 victory. The issue was Cole Hamels lasted just 3 1/3 innings and walked five.

The Chicago Cubs got all they needed from Kyle Schwarber who hit a three-run home run on their way to an 8-2 victory. Cole Hamels allowed five walks and a few more balls than strikes. It’s been trending downward in Hamels last seven starts. In those seven starts, he’s had 33 innings with 27 earned runs allowed and a 7.36 ERA.

The Cubs had their issues with Hamels, but their bullpen was magnificent. The pen combined with five relievers who pitched 5 2/3 innings with no earned runs and five strikeouts. Alec Mills earned the win with two innings and three strikeouts. Rowan Wick got the hold pitching two innings with no hits and a strikeout.

The Cubs have been stellar at home with a 51-24 record, good for a .680 winning percentage. What’s odd is that Hamels has been stronger at home than he’s been on the road. He’s 3-1 with a 2.78 ERA at home, but he’s 4-6 with a 5.40 ERA on the road, which makes his performance last night random.

He’s allowed a slash line of .228/.304/.370 at home, but a .304/.375/.462 on the road. And he’s almost allowed as many walks in 60 innings (27) on the road as he has at home in 77 2/3 innings (29.) He’s pitching like he’s on the road, and that’s not good.

Nicholas Castellanos hit his 55th double, good for the MLB lead. Schwarber hit his 37th home run, tied for second-most all-time with Billy Willams (Most by LH batter-Williams, 42.)

Jason Heyward hit an RBI double, and then Ben Zobrist hit an RBI single to score Victor Caratini from third base.

R.J. Alaniz made a nice play on a comebacker, but then panic set in, and he threw it away. Nico Hoerner went to third, Ian Happ to second as Heyward scored. The Castellanos double scored Hoerner and Happ closing the scoring.

The Cubs Yu Darvish faces off against the Reds Sonny Gray, the hottest pitcher on their staff. Darvish is matching him. In 11 second-half starts, he has a 2.44 ERA with 93 strikeouts with six walks in 66 1/3 innings.