The Chicago Cubs have swept the Indians in a return to Progressive Field. It may have been a two game series, but with two more wins, the Cubs are now 12-3 with the best record in baseball. They also have a 5 game lead over several second place contenders. Before this series, the Cleveland Indians hadn't allowed more than 4 runs in a game. The Cubs scored 7 times in both games. Boom.
We tried again in bingo, but it just didn't happen. We will get there again one of these days, I promise.
August 11th:
Cubs Win 7-1
Jon Lester led the way with 6 innings, 1 ER, 3 hits and 2 walks. He struck out four as his ERA is now 1.06. He scattered the damage and limited hard contact, a theme of this year's Cubs rotation. Tepera and Rea came in for scoreless appearances, nailing it down.
Offensively, it was the Jason Heyward show. He led the team with 4 runs created, with a big 3 run blast in the 6th inning. Overall, he was 3/4. Contreras and Happ also had RBIs, leading a balanced offensive attack. They wore spot starter Plutko out after just 4 innings, then touched up the Cleveland bullpen for 6 runs.
August 12th:
Cubs Win 7-2
Kyle Hendricks had another solid start, with 1 ER in 7 IP. He scattered 7 hits and walked nobody, striking out 5 as he limited hard contact all night. Rowan Wick came in and snuffed a late rally, striking out 3 to make the Pitching Ninja highlight reel. Jeffress pitched a scoreless 9th.
Offensively, Jason Heyward led the way with 2 RBIs 1 run, 2 BB, and a sacrifice fly. He looks locked in (drool). Bryzzo went deep with both Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo hitting home runs. Willson Contreras was ejected in the 5th for hurting an umpire's ego.
In summary:
Cubs are 12-3. Pronk wearing the Sparklepants in games went 2-0 and that record improves to 12-2.