WATCH: Highlights from Cubs' win over Braves, including 5-run inning |
CHICAGO — While the drama surrounding
Willson Contreras' second-inning home run served as the focal point of Monday's clash at Wrigley Field between the Chicago Cubs (43-35) and the Atlanta Braves (46-33), the bottom of the fifth was the most important period of the contest. Scoring five runs and chasing Braves starter Julio Teheran from the game, the Cubs went up 7-0 in the fifth frame and did not look back.
Contreras went 2-for-4 with three RBI at the dish on the evening, and his 16th home run of the season came on a solo shot in the bottom of the second. A mild fracas ensued on the field when both benches cleared due to Contreras going back and forth with opposing catcher Tyler Flowers following the homer. The conflict began when Flowers sniped at Contreras over his disagreement with a strike call a few pitches before he went yard, which led to Contreras firing back at Flowers after hammering the dinger. Flowers wound up striking out to end the game, providing Contreras with the last laugh.