It’s almost like the Cubs can feel the off-day coming. Or maybe the Diamondbacks are just circling the drain.
Whatever the case, it’s been a long, long time since the Cubs had that kind of win – an early laugher, which allows you to relax with comfort in the later innings. The Cubs had huge days at the plate across the board, though I still think Anthony Rizzo deserves a special shout for his 17-pitch at bat in the first inning, which really seemed to set up Javy Baez’s subsequent home run, and everything that followed.
Daniel Murphy also had a big game at the plate, Jason Heyward doubled in his return to the starting lineup, and the Cubs totaled 12 hits, including 5 extra-base hits.
On the pitching side, Mike Montgomery was brilliant for six innings – a solo homer was his only blemish – and then Alec Mills (how good has he been in very limited duty?) and Brandon Kintzler finished things off.
Easy, smooth win. Needed one of those.