There are homer parties and then there are HOMER PARTIES! Today, within just the first three innings of play, the Chicago Cubs enjoyed the latter, hitting not one, not two, not three, not four, but FIVE home runs before recording even nine outs at Wrigley Field.
It was impressive. It was fun. And, most importantly … it was necessary after Jon Lester gave up 4 runs in the top of the first. Here’s a quick look at all the homers the Cubs have launched (so far) today.
In order …
First was Nicholas Castellanos, because of course he had one:
Nicholas Castellanos matches his career high with home run No. 26.
15 have come with the #Cubs. #EverybodyIn pic.twitter.com/rMGVyzVoRb
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 13, 2019
That homer cut the Pirates lead in half in the bottom of the first inning. It was also Castellanos’ 26th of the season and 15th (!) since joining the Cubs on August 1st.
Following Castellanos later in the inning, was Willson Contreras:
Well struck, Willy!#EverybodyIn pic.twitter.com/9ERYGcAe3X
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 13, 2019
That was Contreras’ 22nd homer of the season and (spoilers) not his only one on the day. That solo shot brought the Cubs within a run.
Following Contreras was Nico Hoerner’s first career big league home run:
The first career home run for @nico_hoerner in his first Wrigley Field game!#EverybodyIn pic.twitter.com/jMuBjVM0nT
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 13, 2019
Hoerner tied the game with one swing of the bat, giving the Cubs new life in a game that got off to a horrendous start. That was it for the Cubs in the first inning.
Fast-forward to the bottom of the third and SURPRISE! Willson Contreras went deep again:
.@WContreras40 has 915 feet of home run distance through two at-bats.#EverybodyIn pic.twitter.com/HAGGXHY81y
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 13, 2019
That was Contreras’ 23rd home run of the season, 2nd of the game, and fourth in just six games since returning from the injured list. Throw in two doubles in that stretch, as well, and he’s been HOT.
And last, but literally not least was the big one … a GRAND SLAMMMOOO by the Rizz-man, Anthony Rizzo:
There’s something about Tony. #GLHOAT #TeamRizzo#EverybodyIn pic.twitter.com/dy33mDPJIg
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 13, 2019
That was Rizzo’s second grand slam of the season and fifth of his career. It was also his 26th homer of the season and it gave the Cubs a SIX-RUN LEAD, despite trailing by four runs after the first. Wow. What a freakin’ afternoon.
Here’s how the Cubs homers stack up against each other in terms of distance:
- Contreras (#1): 460 feet (108 MPH)
- Contreras (#2): 455 feet (111 MPH)
- Hoerner: 411 feet (96 MPH)
- Castellanos: 403 feet (103 MPH)
- Rizzo: 390 feet (111 MPH)