A great weekend for Chicago sports, Cubs, White Sox and Bears all win

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It was a great weekend for Chicago sports.  The Cubs completed a four game sweep of the Reds while the White Sox were taking three out of four from the Tigers.  The Bears even joined in with a 27-20 over the Chiefs.  I’ll start with the Cubs.

Return of The Professor

Class was in session Sunday as Professor Kyle Hendricks pitched seven scoreless innings as the Cubs pounded the Reds 9-0.  Hendricks evened his record at 10-10 while lowering his ERA to 3.86.  The Cubs starting pitching seems to be undergoing a revival, thanks in part to the addition of Cole Hamels.  Frankly, the elimination of Yu Darvish and Tyler Chatwood due to injury has actually solidified the Cubs staff.  The stabilization of the starters should reduce wear and tear on an excellent bullpen.

Is it possible this David Bote thing isn't a fluke?

David Bote continues to be a revelation.  Bote went 2-4 with his sixth home run.  He also drove in three runs.  Jason Heyward went 4-4 with two runs scored and three RBIs.  Daniel Murphy had two hits.  Again.  I think we should call him Daniel “Two Hits” Murphy.  The Cubs are looking a lot stronger going into the stretch drive.

Chris who?

The White Sox trade of Chris Sale to the Red Sox for Michael Kopech and Yoan Moncada looked good, at least for a day.  Kopech picked up his first major league win in the Sox 7-2 victory over the Tigers.  Kopech worked six innings and gave up one run while allowing seven hits and striking out four.  He didn’t walk any Tigers hitters.  Kopech also worked out of a couple of jams and demonstrated the ability to regroup in tight situations.  The help of pitching coach, Don Cooper, also factored in.

Palka does it again

Dan Palka hammered his 19^th homer, a two-run shot down the right field line.  Adam Engel continued to contribute offensively, chipping in with two hits, including a double.  Even Yoan Moncada added to the offense with a booming triple to the right-center field wall.

And in other good news

Kopeck’s start came on the heels of an excellent start by Lucas Giolito.  Giolito actually has a winning record at 10-9 despite an ERA of 5.85.  Of all the White Sox young players, Giolito has perhaps progressed the most.

This guy is even better than Mike Glennon!

Bears backup QB, Chase Daniel, looked great in the Bears 27-20 win over the Chiefs Saturday.   Daniel was 15-18 for 198 yards and two TDs.  He also rushed for 47 yards.  I believe he’s a better backup that Mike Glennon was.  The Bears receiving depth also looks to be much improved this season.  Kevin White scored his first TD as a Bears.  Rookie wide receiver, Javon Wims, also caught a TD pass and looks to have nailed down a roster spot.

I just wish the outlook for the Blackhawks and Bulls was as bright.