Cubs Corner: Chicago Downs LA Angels
The Chicago Cubs beat the Los Angeles Angels in an interleague 2-game series. They have now beaten the Angels four out of four times on the season. With the two wins, the Cubs move to a league best 30 games over .500, at 71-41. Along with the great record, they have also won a season-best 9 straight ball games.
Chicago is currently leading the N.L. Central by 12 games. According to FanGraphs they have a 100% chance of making the playoffs. They currently still lead all other teams in odds of winning the World Series at 19.2%. The Cubs did what they should do, beat a much less talented team.
Heart of the Order VS. Heart of the Order
Most teams rely heavily on their three, four, and five hitters to be RBI machines. Mike Trout, Albert Pujols and Andrelton Simmons were hitting a combined .283, with 184 total RBIs. In this series the Chicago Cubs pitching held them to just 2 for 22 (.090).
In game one, the three didn’t reach base while striking out twice. The only Angels’ run came from a solo homerun by Cole Calhoun in the first inning. In game two, the big three went 2 for 12 and actually drove in a run on a groundout. It ultimately wouldn’t be enough though as they lost 3-1.
The Cubs’ middle of the order, on the other hand, were key factors in the wins. Kris Bryant homered in game one and doubled in game two. Anthony Rizzo went 3 for 7 with a walk and an RBI in the series, and Ben Zobrist went 1 for 6 with an RBI and two walks.
What’s Next?
The Cubs played the first two games in a nine-game home stand. Getting these two wins was a great start to an important week for the Cubs. They have a four-game series against the N.L. central second place team, St. Louis Cardinals. Then bring up the end of the home game stretch against division rivals, the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs just need to continue doing what they have been doing since the break, winning. The Northsiders are a shoe in for the playoffs at this point, but they can’t coast. They need to step on the gas to make sure they are playing good baseball heading into October.
Takeaways
Positives:
- The Chicago Cubs only gave up one run in each game, while scoring eight total runs themselves.
- Cubs hit up and down the lineup. They accumulated at least one hit at each lineup spot, including the pitchers spot.
Negatives:
- Chicago wasn’t very patient in the series. They only walked three total times.
- The Cubs struck out 13 times against the likes of Jared Weaver and Ricky Nolasco.
Player of the Series
7.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 SO
Hammel also lowered his ERA to 2.90 which moves him to 14th overall.
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