Soler returns with 3-run homer as Cubs win 5th straight
Photo by Benny Sieu / USATODAY

Soler returns with 3-run homer as Cubs win 5th straight


by - Correspondent -

OAKLAND -- Jorge Soler likes first at-bats. Two years ago he homered in his first major league at-bat.

Friday night he hit a three-run homer in his first plate appearance after returning from the DL to power the Cubs to a 7-2 win over the Oakland Athletics. With the win, the Cubs improved on the best record in baseball and now have won five-straight games.

Fowler got the Cubs off to a fast start with his fifth leadoff homer of the season. After singles by Anthony Rizzo and Addison Russell, Soler stepped to his plate for his first at-bat since injuring his hamstring on June 6. Soler smacked the ball to left for the homer and put the Cubs up 4-0 which would be all the runs that Chicago would need on the night.

The home run was impressive for Soler because he had struggled in his rehab stint. In 49 plate appearances in the minors, Soler had no home runs and hit just .162.

Jon Lester had a good outing as he pitched 7 innings and gave up two runs and struck out 8 for his 12th win on the season.

The Cubs will send ace Jake Arrieta (12-5, 2.75) to the mound on Saturday at 3:05 CT to face Sonny Gray (5-10, 5.84) in game two of the series.

Comment on this story
Print   
Send Feedback to Jaz Peterson: Email | Comment
Post your comments!