CHICAGO _ The Cubs scored in a variety of ways Wednesday _ twice via groundouts in the first inning and three more times thanks to home runs from Javier Baez and Albert Almora Jr. _ during their 17-5 victory against the Mets at Wrigley Field.
The offense was more than enough to back starting pitcher Jon Lester, who allowed two runs, including a leadoff home run to Jose Reyes, six hits and four walks while striking out five in six innings while throwing 114 pitches.
Almora, who entered the game in the seventh inning, had six RBIs thanks to a three-run home run and a three-run triple. Anthony Rizzo walked four times. Ben Zobrist reached base five times, including three via walk.
The victory was the Cubs' second in row and pushed their lead over the Cardinals in the National League Central to three games after they lost to the Reds. The Brewers moved into second place, 2 { games behind the Cubs (79-66), thanks to their victory against the Pirates.
Kris Bryant had two hits and scored three runs for the Cubs. Willson Contreras had two hits and drove in three, while Baez had four hits and scored three times. Rene Rivera also had two doubles.
Mets starter Matt Harvey allowed five runs, seven hits, four walks and struck out two in 3 1/3 innings.
