After struggling for all of May and most of June, the Chicago Cubs’ recent five-game win has skyrocketed the team back into contention.
The Cubs’ offense had struggled for the better part of a month-and-a-half after starting the season exceptionally hot; Chicago’s offense averaged a measly 2.4 runs through the first 10 games of June.
Since then, the team has rattled off five victories in a row, scoring 10+ runs in three contests.
Not only has the play seemingly switched instantly, but they’re competing at a high level against tough competition. The first three wins of the streak came at the hands of the NL-Central leading Pirates. The series against Pittsburgh wasn’t close.
The Cubs outscored them 28-11, with All-Star outfielder Ian Happ doing the bulk of the damage against the divisional rival. Happ brought in eight of the 28 runs against the Pirates.
Not to mention, the Cubs have taken ⅔ games against the Baltimore Orioles – who have the third-best record in all of MLB.
Overall, it’s been a well-balanced attack to win five games in a row. The team is hitting on all cylinders.
Chicago’s ace Marcus Stroman continues to deal at a Cy Young rate, Kyle Hendricks has returned to younger form in his most recent starts, and injured stars like pitcher Justin Steele and Cody Bellinger have returned to the field.
Bellinger has moved to first base since returning to the lineup this week. Outfielder Mike Tauchman has shined at center field and at the plate during Bellinger’s absence.
Bellinger has plenty of professional experience manning first, and Ross has decided to keep an important player in the lineup.
The Cubs have exceeded expectations in the most crucial stretch of the season.
Many still wonder what Jed Hoyer and Co. plan to do at the trade deadline.
A 33-37 record in mid-June wouldn’t normally garner questions about the deadline in most seasons. The Brewers lead the way with only a 36-34 record, so the Cubs are right in the mix. The five-game win streak has launched the Cubs to only three games back for the division lead.
The Cubs can jump in front of the Pittsburgh Pirates early next week when they play three games at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.
When the Chicago Cubs are hot, they’re a fun team to watch in a heavily-contested division. It’s only a matter of a few weeks until the Cubs decide to compete this season.
They can compete for a divisional title.
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