CHICAGO _ Whether it's swinging for the fences or worrying about his future, Javier Baez has learned to stay in the moment.
That paid off Thursday when Baez took advantage of a high slider from Amir Garrett for a grand slam that highlighted a five-run first inning for the Cubs in a 9-5 victory over the Reds at Wrigley Field.
"When it comes to the bases loaded, every hitter thinks about a grand slam," Baez admitted. "I just kept my approach the whole at-bat."
Manager Joe Maddon was just as pleased when the fierce-swinging Baez calmly poked a single to right field during the three-run fifth.
Baez went 3-for-3 in helping the Cubs extend their winning streak to three games and stifle some of the speculation that he could be traded for a starting pitcher.
"I'll be ready to stay here because I love Chicago and this organization," Baez said. "It has been the best. If something comes, I know it won't be any time soon. I don't pay attention to that."
Jon Lester pitched six scoreless innings before allowing three hits to start the seventh and being pulled. Nevertheless, Lester improved to 11-1 with a 1.58 ERA in his last 16 starts at Wrigley Field, and this marked the first time three Cubs starters earned victories in consecutive games.
"I like where this is trending, and a lot of our success will be tied to how these starters do," Maddon said.
"I believe we did the right thing in spring training, and now I think it's wise to keep an eye on them. If they're looking like they can (pitch deeper), we'll let them go a little bit further."
Maddon tried to get one more inning out of Lester because Carl Edwards Jr. and Wade Davis had pitched on consecutive nights.
Lester gave up three earned runs and six hits while striking out five and walking one.
Garrett took the loss for the Reds, allowing six earned runs, five hits and four balls in four innings.
Kris Bryant hit a solo home run in the fourth inning, his eighth of the season.
