Rizzo slam, run powers Cubs
CHICAGO — Anthony Rizzo hit a go-ahead grand slam and the Cubs overcame an early home run by Manny Machado to beat the Padres 6-5 on Friday.
Javier Baez also homered for the NL Central-leading Cubs, who have won six of seven since the All-Star break.
Josh Naylor tied the score 5-5 in the eighth inning against Pedro Strop (2-3) with his first career pinch homer, but the Cubs went back ahead in the bottom half.
Anthony Rizzo singled off Craig Stammen (6-5), rookie shortstop Fernandez Tatis Jr. threw Addison Russell’s grounder into center field for an error, Jason Heyward was intentionally walked and David Bote hit a grounder to third. Machado threw home for a forceout and catcher Francisco Mejia threw to first, even though he didn’t have a play on Bote. The ball hit off the glove of first baseman Eric Hosmer and bounced into short right field as Rizzo scored on Hosmer’s error.
Craig Kimbrel struck out three around a four-pitch walk in the ninth for his fourth save in five chances. The Padres have lost five of six and 11 of 15.
Jon Lester made his 400th appearance and matched his career high by allowing 12 hits, giving up four runs in six innings. Lester needed 26 pitches to get through the first on a muggy afternoon with a 93-degree temperature at game time.
Eric Lauer gave up four runs, five hits and three walks in 42⁄3 innings in his first appearance since July 5. Lauer had gone on bereavement leave following the death of his father. He remained in the game after he was hit on the back by Albert Almora Jr.’s single in the third.