NEWSLETTER
Even as the Cubs’ offense has struggled to much of anything *without* home runs, it feels like it’s been a while since we’ve seen a good old fashioned Chicago Cubs Homer Party.
Yesterday’s installment powered the Cubs to a win, their first in their last five tries, and to a winning homestand.
Ben Zobrist kicked things off with a three-run shot in the first inning, Addison Russell and Kyle Schwarber went back-to-back to break the game’s 4-4 tie in the 6th inning, and then Miguel Montero added an insurance shot in the 8th.
Enjoy all four blasts (via @Cubs):
Power surge. pic.twitter.com/4pvGmQZ9sA
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 11, 2017
For Zobrist, who has been dealing with a wrist injury that bothers him when he swings from the right side, the homer was his 7th of the year, but first since May 25.
It also contributed to his first positive offensive contribution day (by wRC+) since May 29. Every Cub is slumping, so I’m not about to call anyone out in particular, but Zobrist has been right there with the rest of the team. I worry a bit about that wrist, as they are notorious for sapping a player’s ability to generate hard contact.
Russell’s homer was his first since May 16, and just his 4th of the year. For a guy who was among the power surge predictions for a lot of folks coming into the season, it’s been an extremely disappointing year so far in the power department for Russell.
Schwarber’s homer was his 11th on the year, and, despite his struggles in most other facets at the plate, he’s still on pace to hit 25+ homers this season. He also has not hit a single in a month. A huge chunk of that is insanely flukey bad luck, and a huge chunk of it is a lack of hard contact not on the ground (and not in the bleachers). He still has the ability, though – I mean, just look at that short, compact swing … and a ball that nearly left the stadium.
Montero’s blast was the longest of the day, per ESPN’s Home Run Tracker, at a whopping 442 feet. Montero, who turns 34 next month, is having a resurgent year at the plate, hitting .300/.367/.488 as he adjusts well to a back-up role.
With four homers, the Cubs gave the bullpen plenty of reasons to dance:
#Cubs bullpen:
2nd-best ERA in the NL (3.22)
Best dance moves in @MLB (💯) pic.twitter.com/05LU13TwIH— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 11, 2017
