MLB wrap: Jason Heyward helps lead Cubs in newly appointed leadoff position

Alexis Mansanarez

•
MLB wrap: Jason Heyward helps lead Cubs in newly appointed leadoff position image

The Cubs moved Jason Heyward into the leadoff spot and it seems to be paying off.

Chicago beat Milwaukee 6-2 on Friday after Heyward started the scoring with a solo home run in the first inning.

It was the right fielder's 16th homer of the season and helped pull the team within 1/2 game of the National League Central-leading Cardinals.

The Cubs made the right choice.

"It's about me wanting to make the most of my time playing baseball," Heyward said, via MLB.com. "Whatever works best for whatever team I'm on, I'm going to try to do that. And right now, that's what they feel is best, so let's go. It's not looking around and see what works best for me. If it can be done, try and get it done.

"I just asked (manager) Joe (Maddon) to be patient with me. Just give me a shot and here we go."

José Quintana and Willson Contreras added to the Cubs' total and Javier Báez led the offense after he chipped in a home run and drove in three runs.

The Brewers' two runs were highlighted by a Ryan Braun homer.

Zach Davies ultimately got tagged with the loss. He gave up four runs on seven hits in four innings pitched.

Quintana was awarded the win after toeing the rubber for six innings. 

Studs of the Night

Starling Marte's three-run home run in the seventh inning helped the Pirates snap the Mets' seven-game winning streak. Pittsburgh went on to win 8-4.

Freddy Galvis homered for one of his three hits in the Blue Jays' 5-2 win over the Orioles.

Right-handed pitcher Mike Clevinger won his fifth straight decision as the Indians beat the Angels 7-3.

Duds of the Night

It was a great night for the Astros. It wasn't for the Mariners. Yusei Kikuchi was stuck with the loss after allowing six runs on nine hits in just four innings of work.

The Tigers needed just one more run to tie the Rangers. Two to win. It didn't help three batters — Victor Reyes, Jake Rogers and Jordy Mercer — all went 0 for 4 at the plate.

Highlights

It's going, going, going and it's literally gone. Mike Yastrzemski's 472-foot home run was the longest by a Giants player since Brandon Belt in 2015.

And just like that, the Yankees were on the board. Gleyber Torres hit the go-ahead grand slam in the bottom of the first inning on his first pitch swinging. New York went on to beat Boston 4-2.

What's Next? 

Brewers (57-54) at Cubs (58-51), 2:20 p.m. ET — The Cubs are in one of the tightest races in baseball and that's why we're paying extra attention. After the Cardinals had the day off Friday and the Cubs picked up a big win, they can move one step closer to the top of the standings with another victory Saturday. Chicago will send Cole Hamels (6-3, 2.98 ERA) while Milwaukee counters with Gio Gonzalez (2-1, 3.48). 

 

Alexis Mansanarez