121

After a rough series with the Padres, the Cubs got their groove back against the Pirates. Powered by two three-run homers by Addison Russel and David Ross and a two-run homer by Kris Bryant, the Northsiders took the first game of the series 9 to 4.

The bats weren't all that were hot in Wrigley. Jason Hammel went 6 and 2/3 innings and took his fifth win of the year. His ERA is now down to 1.77!

The Cubs will see Pittsburgh twice more this weekend before heading to Wrigley North to face the Brewers.

Photo Credit: Chicago Cubs

NL Central Standings
Team        W   L    PCT    GB

Cubs       26   8   .806    --
Pirates    18  16   .529   8.0
Cards      19  17   .528   8.0

Reds       14  20   .412  12.0

Brewers    14  21   .400  12.5

The Cubs remain the best team in baseball. 538 agrees.