Russell homers, Cubs end Rockies’ seven-game winning streak, 7-5
CHICAGO—Stuck in a season-slump, Addison Russell helped the World Series champions get back to the .500 mark.
Russell had a go-ahead home run for his first big contribution since an absence in the wake of a Major League Baseball investigation into domestic abuse allegations, and the Chicago Cubs stopped the Colorado Rockies' seven-game winning streak, 7-5 Sunday.
Russell and Kyle Schwarber had back-to-back home runs in the sixth inning. Miguel Montero and Ben Zobrist also connected, helping the Cubs even get to 31-31.
This was Russell's second game since missing the first two games of the series. The MLB investigation began after claims of abuse against his wife were levied in a since-deleted social media post.
"It was pretty big, and then Schwarber coming up behind me and adding on," Russell said. "It feels good to see some success, a little bit. I definitely want to bask in it a little bit, but tomorrow is going to be another day."
Reliever Jordan Lyles (0-2) gave up both homers in the sixth. The NL West-leading Rockies ended their longest winning string since 2013.
Carl Edwards Jr. (2-0) won in relief of starter Jake Arrieta. Wade Davis gave up a run in the ninth before getting his 13th save in 13 chances as the Cubs snapped a four-game losing streak.
Russell, batting just .213, put the Cubs ahead 5-4 with his fourth home run. Schwarber, hitting only .171, followed with a pinchhit drive for his 11th homer.
"It's all about confidence, man," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "As we continue to rebuild their confidence and they get it back, you're going to see a lot more of that. It's that simple."
Schwarber's towering fly to right field earned him a curtain call from the Wrigley Field fans on a 91-degree day.
"Addy got the hanging breaking ball and I was able to get a heater down and in. We had good at-bats pretty much the whole day, just watching," Schwarber said. "It's definitely a positive step to see our guys put up really good competitive at-bats."