Anthony Rizzo, Addison Russell Power Cubs To Win Over Diamondbacks
CHICAGO (AP) — Anthony Rizzo hit a grand slam in Chicago's eight-run fifth inning, and rookie Addison Russell homered twice in a game for the first time in his career to power the Cubs and Jon Lester to a 14-5 rout of the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday.
Javier Baez added a two-run shot — his first homer this season — and went 3-for-4 in his third game since his recall from the minors as the Cubs rolled to their third win in five following a four-game losing streak.
Rizzo's 28th homer was his second career grand slam. Russell has three homers in his last four games and 12 this season.
Lester (9-10) was staked to an early lead and rebounded after being hit hard in two of three prior starts. The left-hander's command wasn't razor sharp, but good enough as he allowed two runs on five hits in five innings before four Cubs relievers finished.
Jake Lamb hit a two-run homer for the Diamondbacks, who have lost nine of 12.
Arizona rookie starter Zack Godley (4-1), recalled from Double-A Mobile prior to the game, lost for the first time after solid performances in three previous major-league starts — including two six-inning outings when he didn't allow a run.
The former Cubs propect struggled with control in this one, walking six while allowing six runs on four hits in 3 2/2 innings. He walked in two runs as Chicago jumped ahead 3-0 in the first with just one bloop single.
Diamondbacks reliever A.J. Schugel also walked in a run while allowing being tagged with seven in Chicago's big fifth inning.
Lester gave up five runs, including four in the seventh, last Saturday in a loss to the Dodgers in Los Angeles. On Aug. 19, he lasted just 2 2/3 innings and allowed seven in a loss to Detroit.
Between those two outings, the lefty came within one out of pitching his first complete game and shutout as a Cub in Chicago's 2-1 win over Cleveland on Aug. 24.
Russell led off the second with his first homer, a solo drive, to make it 4-0.
After Arizona cut to 4-1 in the fourth, Russell's two-run shot in the bottom half made it 6-1.
Rizzo and Baez both connected in the fifth as the Cubs sent 11 men to the plate and pulled away.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Diamondbacks: 1B Paul Goldschmidt missed Friday's game after he and his wife, Amy, welcomed their first child on Wednesday afternoon. Goldschmidt was expected to arrive in Chicago Friday night and should be in the lineup on Saturday. ... 2B Aaron Hill was available off the bench after leaving Tuesday's game with a hamstring pull. Manager Chip Hale hopes Hill will start on Saturday.
Cubs: Rookie OF/C Kyle Schwarber is expected to miss three to five days because of a mild rib cage strain. He hurt himself on a checked swing during batting practice before Wednesday's game against Cincinnati. The left-handed hitter hopes to be in the lineup Monday when Chicago opens a three-game series at St. Louis.
UP NEXT
Chicago's Jake Arrieta (17-6, 2.11 ERA) returns to the mound after tossing a no-hitter, the sixth in the majors this season, against the Dodgers in Los Angeles last Sunday. The Cubs ace righty leads the majors in victories, and has won six straight starts and 11 of his last 12 decisions. LHP Robbie Ray (3-10, 3.72 ERA) throws for Arizona. The left-hander has lost his last six decisions and hasn't won since July 7.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.
