The Cubs took advantage of some sloppy fielding from the struggling Braves and emerged with a 5-3 victory at Wrigley Field on Friday. The Cubs have won 17 of their last 21 games to improve to 69-51 while the Braves have lost 20 of their last 22 road games.
What a relief
Kyle Hendricks gave up three runs in five innings but relievers Jason Motte, Justin Grimm, Pedro Strop and Hector Rondon blanked the Braves the rest of the way.
Homer happy
Chris Coghlan hit his 15th homer in the first inning. The Cubs have hit 42 home runs since the All-Star break, best in the National League.
In the field
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Dexter Fowler made a leaping catch of Cameron Maybin’s line drive to dead center in the seventh inning.
Key number
12 — Cubs pitchers have struck out eight or more batters in 12 straight games.
The quote
“They’re healthy, and they are not over-worked. We’re on a nice roll. We hit a little bit of a speed bump, but we’re back on a roll.” — Joe Maddon on his starting pitching staff.
Up next
Vs. Braves, 3:05 p.m., Saturday, ABC-7.