Cubs Slam Angels

Somewhere Ernie Banks is smiling, not to mention Cubs coach Matt Garrett, Mike Madden and John Bapst. The Cubs swung the heavy lumber on Saturday, pushing across a season-high in runs in blowing out the Angels 14-4. It was their most complete performance of the season.

Blake Byrd was sharp in his first appearance on the mound, recording the final outs while also reaching base all three times up to earn Gameball honors. The Cubs had their best defensive game of the year highlighted by a 1-3-6 double play in the 3rd inning (from Trevor Meyer to Charley Casey to Alex Tate), and a put out at the plate to end the game (Alex unleashing a rocket from shallow left field to catcher Mick Madden, who did a tremendous job of holding on and applying the tag).

Individually, Trever pitched 2+ innings while lacing 3 hits; Parker Garrett had 3 hits; Alex banged out 2 hits; Brandon Shockley roped a screaming base hit; Charley had 2 hits and drew a walk; Jack Fiscella scored 3 runs; Jack Bapst took one for the team getting hit by a pitch; Jordan Bass with another stellar game; and not to be overlooked Parke Schalon, who took the mound for the first time and performed admirably.