CHICAGO (AP) – The Chicago Cubs got Jon Lester a nice present for his return from the disabled list.
The NL Central leaders supported the left-hander with another big day at the plate.
Rene Rivera hit a grand slam, Anthony Rizzo added a three-run triple and the Cubs held off the Atlanta Braves for a 14-12 victory on Saturday.
Javier Baez and Jason Heyward also homered for Chicago, who have won six straight and 12 of 15 overall. Rivera, Rizzo, Baez and Heyward finished with two hits apiece.
“We’re playing good baseball,” Lester said. “Obviously our offense has really carried us in the second half. The pitching staff has done a really, really good job in the second half. The bullpen has done a great job. Defense has played really, really well.