Russell's 3-run bomb wins it for the Cubs on Opening Night
Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Russell's 3-run bomb wins it for the Cubs on Opening Night


by - Senior Editor -

The Cubs were being no-hit through 6 2/3 innings, but Addison Russell's three-run homer gave the Cubs a dramatic come from behind 5-3 win on opening night at Wrigley Field.

Down 3-2 in the bottom of the eighth, Chicago (6-1) got two runners on base to set up Russell's heroics. The Reds (5-2) inserted Jumbo Diaz, and Russell deposited his first pitch into left-center field for a three-run game-winning homer.

"It's like a dream come true," Russell said on TV after the game. "I'm just happy to be here."

Closer Hector Rondon struck out the side in the ninth for the save which gave the Cubs its best start since 1988.

Early in the game, it was all Cincinnati. The Reds got a run in the first on a ground-out RBI by Brandon Phillips off of Jon Lester. Outfielder Billy Hamilton had a solo home run in the third inning, and Finnegan helped his own cause with an RBI single in the fourth to make the Reds lead 3-0.

Lester left the game after completing six innings, giving up three runs while striking out five.

Catcher David Ross broke up lefty pitcher Brandon Finnegans' no-hitter with two outs in the seventh. After loading the bases, Heyward's two-run single brought the Cubs within one run.

The evening started with a showcase of fresh renovations throughout the stadium including a new player clubhouse and an emotional player introduction with Kyle Schwarber as he walked gingerly on the field. The Cubs fans roared with applause to support the injured star that is lost of the season with a torn ACL and LCL injury.

The Cubs will have Tuesday off and return to action on Wednesday in game two versus the Reds at 7:05 CT.

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