Shortstop Addison Russell launched a three-run home run to give the Chicago Cubs a walk-off win over the Milwaukee Brewers. It is the first walk-off home run of his career.
The season for the reigning World Series champion Chicago Cubs is off to a rough start. After a solid road trip to open the season, the team was swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates, then lost the opener to the Milwaukee Brewers. The bullpen has put the Cubs in difficult positions. Today, they were clean. And Addison Russell was strong.
The young All-Star shortstop for the Cubs is proving to be the real deal. In 2016, he finished with a career high 22 home runs. So far this year, he two long balls.
His second will be memorable.
Addison Russell. For. The. Win. #SCtop10 pic.twitter.com/7mSR844ldZ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 19, 2017
With two on base (including relief pitcher Carl Edwards pinch running) and the Cubs down a run, Russell crushed a three-run home run to left-center field. It is the first walk-off homer of his career. He now leads the Cubs with 12 RBI so far this season. Last season, the Cubs had five walk-off wins.
According to StatCast, Russell hit the ball at a speed of 109 MPH with a launch angle of 26 degrees. Turns out it was the second hardest hit home run of his young career.
WOW... What a shot by Addison Russell! That was his 2nd hardest hit HR recorded by @statcast #NoDoubter pic.twitter.com/nmNw1Xqhzg
— Daren Willman (@darenw) April 19, 2017
Next: Is something wrong with the Chicago Cubs?
After losing the opener of the series, the Cubs came back to win the next two games, both in late inning rallies. For a team predicted to win it all again, their offense has been sluggish to start. The hit by Addison Russell may well be what the team needs to get started. Watch out, National League.