The Cubs will play the first of a four-game set against the Atlanta Braves tonight finishing off the month of August which was highlighted by the team setting all types of offensive records.
The team began to wrap up the month last night with an absolute drubbing of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Cubs tied a season-high by plating 17 runs, collected 20 hits, and scored in every inning but the fourth.
A 17-run outburst will always be filled with a slew of highlights and last night was no different. The Cubs flexed their muscle at the plate by bashing four home runs courtesy of Anthony Rizzo, Kyle Schwarber (2), and Ian Happ.
Number 31 for the captain!! This is getting ugly #Cubs pic.twitter.com/cSB4rkt86l
— Adam Nissen (@nissen54) August 31, 2017
SCHWAR-BOMB!!! Number 23 for Schwarber. #Cubs pic.twitter.com/zF3zHlC0il
— Adam Nissen (@nissen54) August 31, 2017
Who's going to interview him in the dug out?!?! Number 20 for Happer!!!! #Cubs pic.twitter.com/cOz4HGa6Ti
— Adam Nissen (@nissen54) August 31, 2017
It was after that Ian Happ home run, a few impressive records were set. First, Ian Happ became the fastest Cub to hit 20 home runs in their career. The feat took the 23-year-old only 89 games. Who’s record did he break?
Kyle Schwarber (who set the record in May after reaching the 20 home run mark after 97 games.) Hopefully Happ can interview Schwarber about that one.
The second record that was set was a direct result of the brilliance of Theo Epstein. Once Happ hit number 20, the Cubs became the first team in Major League history to feature a variety of young sluggers.
Cubs: 1st team in MLB history to have 5 players on their roster, all younger than 26 years old, hit 20+ HR in a season.
(Via: @EliasSports) pic.twitter.com/RJNGxATBpU
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 31, 2017
The reason I’m crediting Theo Epstein with this record is simple: he drafted three of the five players (Bryant, Schwarber and Happ). The Cubs roster is a testament to Epstein’s brilliance and his vision has set the Cubs roster up for the next 3-4 years to continue to murder opposing pitching.
Now let’s hope the Cubs don’t lay their usual egg after having a huge offensive game the day before.
