CI Recap (5/7/18) – Cubs 14, Marlins 2: Finally, Cubs Offense Breaks Out to Rout Marlins

After enduring a very frustrating sweep at the hands of the Cardinals, the Cubs returned to Wrigley Monday and took out those frustrations on the Miami Marlins. Chicago hit four homers, none of the solo variety, en route to an easy victory.

The Cubs jumped on Miami starter Jarlin Garcia immediately when Kris Bryant went deep in the bottom of the 1st for a 2-0 lead. Javy Baez hit a three-run bomb and Ian Happ added a two-run shot to make it 7-0 by the 4th inning. That was more than enough for Kyle Hendricks, who went eight strong innings to save the bullpen.

The only negative in the game was the fact that Javy Baez had to leave with right groin tightness. It was likely the result of Baez attempting to do the splits on a force out in the 5th inning. Chicago continued pouring the offense on eventually winning by a score of 14-2. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

The offense came to life in a big way, as four homers created 10 runs for the Cubs. Scoring 14 runs usually leads to a victory.

Key Moment

After Ben Zobrist walked, Bryant came to the plate with one man down in the 1st and took Garcia very deep to left field for a two-run homer. It was the Cubs first non-solo round-tripper since April 20 in Colorado.

Stats That Matter

• Hendricks gave the Cubs exactly what they needed after a 14 inning marathon: 8 IP, 2 R, 6 H, 3 K, and 0 BB. He was very efficient, needing only 97 pitches to go through the 8th.
• Bryant’s power stroke looks to be back after a bit of a lull. He singled, walked, and doubled in addition to his second homer in as many days.
• Let’s hope Baez’s groin tightness is minor, because he hit his third home run in three games.
• Ian Happ has struggled mightily, so it was refreshing to see him have such a good game. He went deep from both sides of the plate and drove in five. The power has always been there, he just needs to make more contact.
• Victor Caratini also reached base three times filling in for Anthony Rizzo at first base.

Bottom Line

After the struggles of the past week, a thumping like this had to feel good for the Cubs. Of course it is only one game, and they have to build on this good result. Stopping a losing streak always makes things better.

On Deck

With Yu Darvish out with the flu, the Cubs‘ starter for Tuesday night’s game is up in the air. The Marlins will go with opening-day starter Jose Urena. The 7:05pm CT start is available on NBC Sports Chicago.