Norris, Castellanos Homer As Tigers Pound Lester, Cubs 15-8
CHICAGO (AP) — Pitcher Daniel Norris homered in his first career plate appearance, Nick Castellanos went deep twice, one a grand slam, and the Detroit Tigers pounded Jon Lester in a 15-8 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night.
The Tigers set season highs in runs and hits (21) and tied one with five homers — three off Lester. It was also the second time this season that they reached double digits in scoring in consecutive games, after winning 10-8 on Tuesday.
The Cubs dropped their third straight after winning nine in a row and 15 of 16, with Lester (8-9) making his earliest exit of the season.
The Cubs' ace lasted just 2 2-3 innings in his shortest outing since 2012 while allowing a season-high seven runs.
Norris became the 19th pitcher and first since 2011 to homer in his first major league at-bat, according to STATS, when he lined a two-run drive in the second inning. Norris left the game in the fifth because of a strained right oblique.
Castellanos drove in a career-high five runs and tied one with four hits. He recorded the first multihomer game of his career with a leadoff drive in the second and the grand slam that made it 7-0 in the third.
J.D. Martinez hit his 32nd homer. Rajai Davis went deep, and reliever Neftali Feliz (3-3) got the win in a game that lasted 3 hours, 48 minutes.
Chicago's Dexter Fowler, Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber all homered. But after Jason Hammel lasted just three innings Tuesday, Lester made an even earlier exit.
The Cubs' ace gave up seven hits and three homers — one shy of his career high — after going 4-0 in his previous five starts.
Norris went 4 1/3 innings for Detroit, allowing three runs and four hits. He struck out six and walked one.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Tigers: Manager Brad Ausmus said C Bryan Holaday dislocated his left thumb in a collision at home plate playing for Triple-A Toledo on Monday and could return in a few weeks. Ausmus said tests did not show any fractures or ligament damage.
Cubs: RHP Rafael Soriano (right shoulder inflammation) will likely remain with the team for the rest of this homestand and then go on a rehab assignment during the team's trip to San Francisco and Los Angeles Aug. 25-30.
UP NEXT
Tigers: RHP Alfredo Simon (10-7, 4.84 ERA) starts as the Tigers open a four-game series against Martin Perez (1-2, 5.29) and the Texas Rangers.
Cubs: RHP Jake Arrieta (14-6, 2.39) , 8-1 in his past 11 starts, looks to stay on a roll as the Cubs begin a four-game set against RHP Mike Foltynewicz (4-4, 5.61) and the Atlanta Braves.
(© 2015 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.)