WATCH: Heyward discusses Cubs' hot start to win over Padres


by - Senior Writer -

CHICAGO — Speaking with NBC Sports Chicago reporter Kelly Crull after the Chicago Cubs' 5-4 triumph against the San Diego Padres on Saturday, Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward discussed the five-run scoring barrage that Chicago produced against Padres starting pitcher Walker Lockett in the second inning.

"I feel like we just try and be aggressive in the strike zone," Heyward said. "I feel like, today, (Lockett) made some good pitches in the first inning. In the second inning, he kind of fell behind, and we didn't give him a chance to settle in. We were able to get some pitches up in the zone and get some base hits."

Going 3-4 with an RBI at the dish, Heyward led all batters in the contest with three hits, and he also drove in what proved to be the winning run when he plated Ben Zobrist via a clutch two-out single in the second frame that put the Cubs up 5-0.

From there, the Cubs went on the defensive and were able to successfully maintain their lead the rest of the way. Pitching 3.1 scoreless innings, the Cubs bullpen was masterful on Saturday, and Heyward talked about how important the Chicago bullpen has been this season.

"Our bullpen's always huge," Heyward told Crull. "They always come up big. Our bullpen's been outstanding, and we try to play great defense behind them late in the game."

With the Cubs currently in the midst of a tight race in the National League Central, Heyward was asked about the importance of performing at a high level against opponents from outside of the division, such as the Padres, at this point in the season.

"We got to take care of business regardless," Heyward said when speaking on the significance of the Padres series. "The difference is that we don't see these teams all the time. We just try and pay a little bit more attention to detail on the teams we don't know and go from there."

Currently leading the four-game series against the Padres at Wrigley Field by a tally of 2-1, the Cubs will be aiming for a series victory in the finale tomorrow afternoon.

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