Seven runs in the first inning gave the Chicago Cubs control early, and Carson Kelly delivered the swing that defined the game.
Kelly came up with the bases loaded in the bottom of the first and hit a grand slam to left-center field. ESPN reported it was his second career grand slam, and MLB play-by-play confirmed the homer scored Seiya Suzuki, Ian Happ, and Matt Shaw.
Kelly finished 2-for-4 with one home run, two walks, three runs scored, and a career-high six RBIs as Chicago beat Toronto 16-2 at Wrigley Field.
How Chicago Built the Blowout
The Cubs scored seven runs in the first, added four more in the sixth, and put up five in the seventh. Toronto scored once in the third and once in the sixth.
George Springer supplied Toronto's biggest swing, homering in the top of the sixth. He finished 2-for-4 with a home run, two RBIs, and one run scored.
Kevin Gausman took the loss for Toronto. He lasted two innings, allowing seven earned runs on seven hits with four walks and three strikeouts.
Ben Brown earned the win for Chicago. He threw six innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits with four strikeouts and no walks.
What It Means
Final: Cubs 16, Blue Jays 2.
The Cubs improve to 40-36. The Blue Jays fall to 37-39.
One inning changed the game. Kelly's grand slam made sure Chicago did not waste it.
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