The game was decided in one explosive inning. Chicago scored four times in the second to break open what became a 5-1 victory over Philadelphia at Wrigley Field on Sunday.
Colin Rea controlled the game from the mound, allowing six hits and one run over 6.2 innings with five strikeouts. The right-hander improved to 3-0 with a 3.00 ERA, walking two while throwing 92 pitches in his longest outing of the season.
The Cubs' second-inning outburst began when Happ scored on Amaya's double-play grounder. Dansby Swanson then delivered the decisive blow, launching a three-run homer 424 feet to center field that scored Ballesteros and Crow-Armstrong. Conforto added a sacrifice fly in the third inning that brought Busch home for the final margin.
Aaron Nola struggled through 4.1 innings for Philadelphia, allowing six hits and five runs while walking four. The veteran left-hander fell to 1-2 with a 5.06 ERA after surrendering all the damage in the early innings. Crawford doubled home Stott in the fourth for the Phillies' lone run.
Chicago extended its winning streak to five games and improved to 12-9. Philadelphia's losing streak reached five games as the club fell to 8-13.