I think we all knew this Cubs team, which had struggled for several weeks playing 50 games in 52 days, had a good stretch in it. Many of us thought the four days off for the All-Star break would rejuvenate these players, after all but three got the rest over the break.
So far, so good! The Cubs rode a potent offense, highlighted by three home runs, and completed a three-game sweep of the Pirates with an 8-3 victory on yet another gorgeous summer afternoon at Wrigley Field.
Jose Quintana started off strong, allowing just one single in the first two innings, and then the Cubs offense got to work.