After a rainy night in Georgia, Cubs continue to roll

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So, where was this Cubs team the first half of the season? The Cubs have come out after the All Star break like a team on a mission. With their 8-2 win over the Atlanta Braves Wednesday afternoon, the Cubs have won six in a row after the break. All of them on the road. And they've looked really good doing it.

A double threat

Mike Montgomery got the start for the Cubs and gave them a quality start. Montgomery went 6 innings, allowing only one run. He stuck out 5 and walked one while allowing only two hits. Montgomery also hit his first major league home run. It was a long blast to the second deck of the right field seats. The Cubs offense was quiet early but came on late to provide the final margin.

LaStella!  LaStella!

In addition to Montgomery's homer, Tommy LaStella also homered and Javy Baez hit a three run shot to center to make things a little more comfortable. Addison Russell added four hits.

How good are the Cubs going? Kris Bryant injured the pinky finger of his left hand on a slide in the first inning. (He's now day to day) Tommy LaStella came on for him and had two hits, including the a fore mentioned home run. It's not just that the Cubs are winning that's exciting, it's how they're winning. Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant are capable of carrying the team for weeks at a time, but that's not what's happening.

So, what's the deal?

Willson Contreras has been tearing it up behind the plate. Jason Heyward is playing his best ball since coming to Chicago. Addison Russell looks like himself. Maybe even a little bit better. Ian Happ is contributing consistently since being called up. Plus, the pitching is much improved.

But it starts with the starters

Cubs starters have not allowed a first inning run in the six games after the break. They've had four quality starts in those six games. John Lackey pitched last night, and while he didn't get credited with a quality start, he did pitch well, going 5 innings and giving up only one run. Monday night Jon Lester looked like a number one starter. Jon even doubled to deep right and got his first career stolen base.

Not to be overlooked is the work of Hector Rondon in the last two games. Hector has struck out six in two innings in his last two outings. He looks like the Rondon of old.

Not to nit pick but....

The one little cloud on the horizon is Kyle Schwarber's production. Kyle has looked better since he came back from Iowa but is still hitting only .176. If that continues somebody else needs to get some playing time in left. And I'm sure they will if Kyle doesn't come around.

But they still have their prospects

The win pulls the Cubs within two games of the Milwaukee Brewers who are playing tonight. I wonder if the Brewers are hearing footsteps? It had to be discouraging for the Brewers to see the Cubs pick up Jose Quintana.

It looks like Willson Contreras was right. It looks like the Cubs are coming.

More next time.