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Szczur leads reserves, catalyzes Cubs’ offense
- Updated: August 13, 2016
CHICAGO — How good are the Cubs that they can give a few of their regulars the day off and post a 13-2 victory over the Cardinals? They’re really good.
Matt Szczur, making his third start in center field, posted his first career multihomer game, driving in three runs, while rookie Willson Contreras belted a three-run homer, Javier Baez hit a two-run blast and Jorge Soler added a solo shot to power the Cubs to their 11th straight win.
Manager Joe Maddon likes to treat Friday day games like Sundays and give the veterans a breather. Szczur was pumped.
“It’s great [Maddon] has the faith in me, and it’s awesome to see my name in the lineup,” Szczur said. “It was exciting to get to the ballpark today.”
Of course, Dexter Fowler, the Cubs’ regular center fielder and leadoff man, got some teasing about being replaced. Szczur knows he’ll probably be on the bench Saturday.
“I know my role,” Szczur said. “I’m going to stay in my lane. I show up to work every day and I try to be the best every day, no matter where I’m positioned at or what spot I’m in.”
Getting spot starts also helps when Maddon calls on Szczur off the bench. Szczur is tied for second in the National League in pinch-hits with 12. In 20 starts since the All-Star break, Szczur is …
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