Inside The Cubs

Swanson Hits First Homer, Chicago Cubs Take Series From Padres

The Chicago Cubs won a definitive series against the San Diego Padres with a victory on Thursday that was powered by Dansby Swanson's first home run of the year.

Kade Kistner

Swanson Hits First Homer, Chicago Cubs Take Series From Padres
Swanson Hits First Homer, Chicago Cubs Take Series From Padres /
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The Chicago Cubs just keep rolling as they took down the San Diego Padres 5-2 on Thursday at Wrigley Field. 

The Cubs (14-10) were given the space to succeed as starter Hayden Wesneski turned in the most promising appearance of his season. Wesneski gave up just one earned run over the course of 5.0 innings, lowering his ERA to 5.24 and earning him the win. 

Chicago's offense was powered by three home runs. The first was from Eric Hosmer in the second inning, a solo shot off of Seth Lugo. Nelson Velazquez then followed up with a solo shot of his own in the very next at-bat. 

One of the most encouraging sights of the day was Dansby Swanson, who also deposited a ball into the left field stands when he launched a solo home run. Swanson's home run travelled 359 feet and had an exit velocity of 96.7-mph. It was his first of the season and his first as a member of the Cubs. 

Chicago's bullpen put in four innings of good work as the Padres were only able to plate one more run after Wesneski's exit. San Diego's eighth inning run came off of relief pitcher Keegan Thompson. 

Michael Fulmer was called upon in the sixth and turned in a scoreless inning after spending the better part of the last two weeks struggling. 

Brad Boxberger was called in for the ninth and allowed just one base runner when he issued a walk. He was credited with the save. 

Chicago is riding high and look forward to facing the Miami Marlins (12-13) when they make the trip to LoanDepot Park on Friday for the first of a three-game series. 

First pitch on Friday is slated for 5:40 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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