Lester, Heyward (4 RBIs) power Cubs to 7-1 win over Indians

CLEVELAND (AP) — Jon Lester looked comfortable on a mound where he helped make history and Jason Heyward hit a three-run homer, leading the Chicago Cubs to a 7-1 win on Tuesday night over the Cleveland Indians, who welcomed back manager Terry Francona after a couple bumpy days.

Lester (2-0) allowed three hits in six innings as the Cubs moved to 11-3 for the first time since 2016.

Four years ago, the left-hander pitched three scoreless innings of relief in a drama-filled Game 7 of the World Series when the Cubs beat the Indians to win their first title since 1908.

Heyward, who drove in Chicago's first run in the second, connected for his second homer to put the Cubs ahead 6-0 in the sixth. Progressive Field is also filled with pleasant memories for Heyward, who famously called a team meeting late in Game 7 to regroup the Cubs after the Indians rallied.

For the first time this year the Indians gave up more than four runs, ending the second-longest run (18 games) to open a season.

Cleveland played for the first time since it was revealed that pitchers Mike Clevinger and Zach Plesac violated team rules by leaving the team's Chicago hotel over the weekend. Both are being quarantined, although the Indians don't think they were near anyone with COVID-19 when they ventured out.

Clevinger had been scheduled to face the Cubs, but his risky behavior landed him on the restricted list and in the doghouse.

Francona returned after missing eight games to rest and treat a gastrointestinal ailment that has bothered him for nearly a year. He underwent another procedure last week at the Cleveland Clinic and said he's going to do try and finish the season.

“I can’t promise this is going to go perfect,” he said. "But I’m certainly going to give it the best shot I can.”

The...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Lester-Heyward-4-RBIs-power-Cubs-to-7-1-win-15477014.php