Swanson homer lifts Cubs past Phillies
Dansby Swanson delivered the decisive blow as the Chicago Cubs extended their winning streak with a 5-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday.
Swanson’s three-run home run highlighted a strong offensive performance, while Colin Rea continued his early-season form on the mound. The right-hander improved to 3-0 after pitching 6 2/3 innings, allowing one run on five hits while striking out five and walking two.
Chicago secured its sixth consecutive win, with Alex Bregman contributing two hits to support the offense.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, saw its struggles continue. Aaron Nola (1-2) allowed five runs on six hits over 4 1/3 innings, striking out five and issuing four walks as the Phillies dropped their sixth straight game. Justin Crawford accounted for the team’s lone run.
After a scoreless opening inning, the Phillies threatened in the second. Adolis Garcia and Bryson Stott singled, and Crawford drew a walk to load the bases with two outs. Rea worked out of the jam by striking out Rafael Marchan to keep the game scoreless.
The Cubs broke through in the bottom of the inning. Ian Happ and Moises Ballesteros each singled, and Michael Conforto walked to load the bases. Miguel Amaya then grounded into a double play, bringing in the first run.
Moments later, Swanson extended the lead. After Pete Crow-Armstrong drew a walk, Swanson launched a 424-foot home run — his fifth of the season — to give Chicago a 4-0 advantage.
The Cubs added another run in the third inning. Michael Busch singled, and Bregman doubled before Ballesteros worked a one-out walk to load the bases again. Conforto followed with a sacrifice fly, pushing the lead to 5-0.
Philadelphia got on the board in the fourth when Crawford hit an RBI double, cutting the deficit to 5-1.
Nola exited in the fifth inning after throwing 88 pitches, with Kyle Backhus coming on in relief. Chicago’s pitching staff maintained control the rest of the way, preserving the victory and extending the team’s momentum.
