Cubs firing on all cylinders, going 15-3 since mid-April
Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images Any criticisms of the way the Cubs have played for the last three weeks would have to be very granular. Despite a long list of injured players, especially from the pitching staff, and a challenging road trip to the west coast during their recent stretch, the Cubs have won 15 of their last 18 games. On Sunday, they beat the Diamondbacks 8-4 to complete a three-game sweep and win their 11th straight game at Wrigley Field.
The last time they had a home winning streak that long was in 2008. Their record since April 14 is the best in the majors, and it’s propelled them from a game below . 500 and in last place in their division to ten games above .
500 and two games ahead in the National League Central. Sunday’s game was the most recent example of the kind of baseball the Cubs have been playing: good starting pitching, a dependable bullpen, dazzling defense, and a relentless offense. Every batter reached safely at least once on Sunday, and there was only one inning without a Cubs baserunner.
“This is a good example of how we’ve been playing offense for a good chunk of the year,” manager Craig Counsell said. “Just a lot of pressure innings, and that just makes it hard on the pitcher. You have to keep making big pitches.
“It’s a good offense, it’s a tough offense, and it feels like there’s action every inning. Feels like we have a chance to score every inning. ” The Cubs offense led all of baseball in wins above replacement entering Sunday , and their eight runs, twelve hits, and six walks should safely keep them there.
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