Red-hot Cubs blank faltering Phillies 4-0

Ian Happ had two doubles and an RBI, Seiya Suzuki doubled twice and the Chicago Cubs beat the slumping Philadelphia Phillies 4-0 on Friday.

Jon Berti added two hits and drove in a run as NL Central-leading Chicago won its third straight and for the fifth time in six games. Nico Hoerner and Pete Crow-Armstrong had RBIs in a game that started after a 2-hour, 10-minute rain delay.

J.T. Realmuto had two of the Phillies’ five hits. Philadelphia’s losing streak hit five games on a chilly, windy day at Wrigley Field.

Colin Rea (1-0) limited Philadelphia to three hits over five scoreless innings for the win. Rae struck out seven while walking two in his longest outing this season.

The Cubs are off to one of their best starts in history, pulling away from the Central division at 17-10. They also lead the majors in runs per game and stolen bases. In fact, no team in major league history has ever matched the Cubs’ combination of home runs and stolen bases through 27 games.



(AP Photo Paul Beaty)