Great news for the Chicago Cubs as Cody Bellinger appears to be breaking out of a slump and is now scorching hot at the plate after launching a three-run homerun two days ago, followed up by three more hits in last night's contest. Cody is still batting just .200 after a rough start, but his approach and timing look to be improved in the previous two days, and he now has a total of five RBIs in as many games. Take another look at the moonshot from the other day:
These things must happen for the Cubs to have any real shot at competing. Dansby Swanson and Ian Happ are doing their part. Nico Hoerner has looked great. But even after 28 hits and 18 runs in the last two games, the Cubs' run differential still sits at +4. Guys like Bellinger will be paramount to the Cub's success this season, and it is good to see the hits coming for him. Bellinger's well-documented struggles from the last couple of years have the potential to be put in the rearview now, and he can focus on getting back to being the player he always was.
Sitting at 2-3, It's too early to panic or honestly evaluate the team. They started the year facing two of the best pitchers in baseball and are now doing to Cincinnati what a good team is supposed to do to a team like Cincinnati by putting up electric numbers. Starting pitching will undoubtedly be the catalyst for this team's success or downfall, but it's good to see guys like Bellinger beginning to heat up.
Indeed, a team with Hoerner, Swanson, Happ, and Bellinger all playing well has the potential to be one of the better lineups in the National League. Especially once the Cubs get Seiya Suzuki back, who knows what can happen? Finish this series strong, and move on to the Texas Rangers, which will be a good test for both the offense and pitching to see where things stand.