Inside The Cubs

Stroman, Happ Lead Chicago Cubs to Friday Victory Over Rangers

The Chicago Cubs took the first of three against the Texas Rangers on Friday as performances from Marcus Stroman and Ian Happ powered the team.
Kade Kistner|
Stroman, Happ Lead Chicago Cubs to Friday Victory Over Rangers
Stroman, Happ Lead Chicago Cubs to Friday Victory Over Rangers

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Chicago Cubs

CHICAGO - The Chicago Cubs (3-3) are back to an even record after defeating the Texas Rangers (4-3) X-X on Friday afternoon. Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman helped power Chicago to victory as he threw 6.0 innings of scoreless baseball while striking out six. 

Stroman has not allowed a single run this season over the course of his first two starts. Stroman is quickly becoming a paragon for the pitching staff.

Chicago's oft-anemic offense was on full display Friday when facing Nathan Eovaldi. The Cubs were able to plate a run in the fourth inning when Dansby Swanson scored from second off of a Cody Bellinger RBI-single.

The second run came in the sixth inning when Ian Happ lined a double to center field to score catcher Tucker Barnhart. Happ's double came off of the glove of Rangers center fielder Adolis Garcia. 

It looked like a lack of attention on Garcia's part, but the Cubs took full advantage and added the insurance run. 

But they wouldn't need it. 

Mark Leiter Jr. and Michael Fulmer combined to throw three scoreless innings to cement the victory.

Fulmer was credited with the six-out save and Stroman was the winning pitcher. 

Chicago will face the Texas Rangers again on Saturday at Wrigley Field. First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. CT.

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Cubs. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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