CHICAGO -- One of the trademarks of the Cubs early in the season was steady production throughout the entirety of the lineup. On Friday afternoon, that was on display during Chicago’s 6-4 victory over Tampa Bay in the opener of a three-game set at Wrigley Field.
Ian Happ finished a triple shy of a cycle and knocked in a pair, Nico Hoerner reached base three times, rookie Moisés Ballesteros delivered a clutch triple and Dansby Swanson came through with an RBI double. That collective offensive showing helped back a five-inning outing from veteran lefty Matthew Boyd.
With the win, the Cubs moved within five games of the National League Central-leading Brewers , pending the result of Milwaukee’s night game with St. Louis.
Boyd was charged with four runs, with three coming via a home run