The Cubs turned a tight game into a rout with a five-run outburst through the fifth inning, defeating Philadelphia 7-2 at Wrigley Field to extend their winning streak to seven games.
Seiya Suzuki provided the decisive blow with a two-run homer to center field in the fifth inning that broke open a 4-2 game. Suzuki finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs, while Pete Crow-Armstrong collected three hits and drove in two runs. Michael Busch added a solo homer in the third inning as part of Chicago's 13-hit attack.
The Cubs seized control in the third inning when Happ singled to left to score Bregman, then Busch homered to left center to push the lead to 4-2. Suzuki's fifth-inning blast scored Happ and effectively settled the outcome. Crow-Armstrong capped the scoring in the eighth when he singled to center to bring home Ballesteros.
Taijuan Walker absorbed the loss for Philadelphia, allowing eight hits and five runs over four innings with a 9.13 ERA. Ben Brown earned the victory in relief for Chicago, striking out five over 2.1 scoreless innings with a 2.37 ERA.
Chicago improved to 14-9 and extended its winning streak to seven games. Philadelphia fell to 8-15 and has now lost seven straight.