Lester, Cubs bounce back with 8-1 victory over Angels

CHICAGO (AP) — Jon Lester returned to form, allowing one run in seven innings, and the Chicago Cubs‘ offense came alive in an 8-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Monday.

Coming off three straight losses at St. Louis in which they scored six total runs, the Cubs broke loose with a five-run sixth inning. Javier Báez began the onslaught with a run-scoring double, one of his three RBIs, as Chicago picked up its second win in its past eight games.

Lester (4-4) was in control from the outset. The left-hander allowed four singles, walked one and struck out six, giving up his only run on a sacrifice fly by Jonathan Lucroy in the seventh.

Lucroy’s drive to the right-center field gap could have done more damage. But right fielder Carlos González, who was promoted from Triple-A Iowa before the game, made a diving catch on the warning track, nearly sliding headfirst into the ivy-covered wall.

In his previous three starts — all losses — Lester allowed 19 runs (16 earned) in 14 innings, increasing his ERA from 1.16 to 3.59. After Monday’s effort, he’s now at 3.32.

Former Cub Trevor Cahill (2-6) was charged with five runs on six hits and two walks in 4 1/3 innings in relief of opener Cam Bedrosian. Cahill has one win in his last nine appearances.

The Cubs did their damage in the sixth against Cahill and two other relievers. After Báez doubled to drive in Kris Bryant, Jason Heyward had a two-run double, Addison Russell had a sacrifice fly and Kyle Schwarber singled to drive in a run. It was Chicago’s biggest inning since May 17, when it scored five times in the eighth during a 14-6 win over Washington.

Báez and Willson Contreras homered off Luís Garcia in the seventh.

Chicago took a 1-0 lead in the fourth on Báez’s groundout.

The game was a makeup of a contest scheduled for April 14 that was postponed because of inclement weather. The teams split the first two games of the series.

CARGO ON THE GO

González went 1-for-3 with a walk in addition to his big catch.

“It means a lot, getting confidence right away from the manager and the organization,” González said. “This is a great opportunity for me to have success. I’m looking forward to work hard and play hard for my teammates and compete every day.”

The 33-year-old hit .210 with two homers, seven RBIs and 33 strikeouts in 30 games with Cleveland before he was designated for assignment on May 22. He agreed to a minor league contract with the Cubs last week and was 2-for-8 with a home run in two games with Iowa.

Outfielder Jim Adducci was designated for assignment. He was hitless in five at-bats this season.

EMERGENCY WARD

The Angels recalled utility player Taylor Ward from Triple-A Salt Lake to assist an undermanned infield. He started at third base.

LONG, STRANGE TRIP

The Angels arrived at the team hotel shortly after midnight following their victory over the Mariners in Seattle on Sunday. They begin an eight-game homestand on Tuesday.

“I think everyone got a good night’s sleep,” manager Brad Ausmus said. “With a 3 o’clock start, you don’t have to get up too, too early. It’s just a pain having to travel four hours and then 4½ hours back in a 24-hour period, but it’s better than getting in at 6 in the morning. It’s an inconvenience, but we’ll get over it.”

TRAINER’S ROOM

Angels: RHP JC Ramírez (right elbow surgery) will join Triple-A Salt Lake on Sunday as part of his rehab assignment. … OF Michael Hermosillo (hernia) was reinstated from the 60-day injury list and optioned to Salt Lake, while RHP John Curtiss was designated for assignment.

Cubs: Báez made his second straight start despite a lingering sore right heel. “It’s something that he’s going to have to control himself,” manager Joe Maddon said. “It’s one of those things that you try to protect as much as you can.”

UP NEXT

Angels: RHP Griffin Canning (2-1, 3.06 ERA) is scheduled to open a three-game set against the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday night. The rookie allowed two runs over 18 innings over his previous three starts.

Cubs: RHP Kyle Hendricks (5-4, 3.09) will take a personal four-game win streak into the series opener against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night.