Heyward breaks out with HR in 3-RBI showing

CHICAGO — It’s only one game, but Jason Heyward had to feel a sense of relief on Friday when he launched a two-run homer in the third inning of the Cubs’ 12-1 romp over the Mariners at Wrigley Field. It was his first home run since June 11, but it possibly felt like his first of the season.

Heyward began the day last among qualifying National League players in slugging percentage at .315, and he had hit one homer at home. David Ross, the Cubs’ 39-year-old catcher, hit his fifth at home in a six-run sixth inning.  

“Everybody in that dugout is rooting for each other, but especially me, I know what he’s going through,” said Cubs starter Jon Lester, who is in the second year of his big contract with the Cubs. This is the first year of an eight-year, $184 million deal that Heyward signed in the offseason.

“This year has been tough, I’m sure, for him,” Lester said. “I’m sure people check the boxscore and they don’t watch the game. He’s squared a lot of balls up for us this year and hasn’t had much to show for it. That’s hard, because this game is built around results. He’s been …

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