Since his return to the Cubs for the 2016 World Series, Kyle Schwarber has taken advantage of spotlight moments.  Despite the leg injury that left him out of the line-up most of last season, he returned just in time for the Big Show, and produced beyond expectations (See post #64:Schwarber at the Bat- for a tribute poem).

In the midst of a slow start this season, he was last seen wearing a leisure suit, (See post #101) and got some Topps attention along with teammate, Anthony Rizzo.  Schwarber started the year for the Cubs in the coveted lead-off slot, but was soon demoted to #2 in favor of Ben Zobrist.  Quite frankly, he’s played like #2!; and has since dropped to the bottom of the line-up, batting ninth today.

In this afternoon’s big game  against the Cardinals, he once again proved his “Might.”  The Cubs were down 3-1 in the bottom of the 7th with two outs.  We had already seen one “miracle,” when John Lester actually threw out Tommy Pham as he pushed his lead-off at first.  Since joining the Cubs in 2015, Lester has been taunted about his reluctance to throw to first.  Pham took a huge lead and the temptation was too much for Lester.  He let it fly!  Out!  It was Lester’s first pick-off since 2015 when he was with the Red Sox.

As Schwarber took the plate against Mike Leake with the bases loaded and two outs, would we see a second “miracle” today?   Both managers briefly hesitated against making a move, and the Mighty Schwarber once again had a Casey-like opportunity.  He did not strike out. The ball traveled into the bleachers over 400 feet away, and gave the Cubs a two-run lead. Schwarber watched it clear the fence, overshadowing his .163 batting average.  The Mighty Schwarber gave the Cubs a “W” and hopefully gave himself a big boost of confidence.  It was his first Major League grand slam, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

Meanwhile, the White Sox continue to struggle in Detroit, and the Brewers continue to dominate the Dodgers and the NL Central Division.  The Sox are close to dropping into the basement of the AL Central, while also failing to keep pace with their crosstown rivals for that ultimate rematch of 1906.  The Cubs victory gives them a half-game lead over the Cardinals, but still 2 games behind the Brewers.  Could we see a third “miracle” with a Cubs sweep tomorrow night behind Kyle Hendricks?

As a fellow I.U. alumni, Kyle Schwarber is being very, very good to me!