Cubs’ Hitters Off to Hot Start

After the Chicago Cubs came out of nowhere to win 97 games and make the playoffs last year, big things were expected this year; they are considered one of the favorites to win the World Series. The Cubs had a powerful offense in 2015, and they would need it to be every bit as good or better this year to compete against Pittsburgh and St. Louis in the National League Central. The Cardinals won 100 games last season, and the Pirates won 98. These three N. L. Central teams had the three best records in baseball in 2015.

The Cubs open the 2016 on the road with a two game series in Anaheim and a four game set at Arizona, and based on the results of the first three, Chicago’s offense is meeting and exceeding expectations. The Cubs demolished the Angels 9-0 and 6-1, and then beat the Diamondbacks 14-6 April 7th in the first game of that set. First baseman Anthony Rizzo drove in six of the Cubs’ runs, with Dexter Fowler and Addison Russell each contributing a pair of RBIs. Kris Bryant, last year’s Rookie of the Year, had three hits. Left fielder Kyle Schwarber injured his leg in an outfield collision with Fowler, but that’s been the only real downer so far.