Bearcats in the Big Leagues: Happ Homers Again

Ian Happ

The most exciting part of Happ’s game during his first run at the MLB level has been his power. Happ showed it off in yesterday’s contest with the Pirates, launching an opposite field home run off of starter Ivan Nova in the bottom of the fourth inning. The dinger started a mini-rally for the Cubs, as Kyle Schwarber followed Happ and hit a pose home run. Unfortunately for Chicago, that was all the offense it got, as the Cubs dropped a 4-2 decision.

But we’re not here to talk about the Cubs. We’re here to talk about one Cub. Happ only went 1-for-4 in the game but his 13th home run of the season was an excellent piece of hitting, as he stayed back and served the ball into the left field bleachers. Happ was one of three position players for the Cubs to post a WPA (win probability added) above zero in the losing effort.

Josh Harrison

Even though the Pirates won, Harrison didn’t have anything to do with it, as he was given the night off. Harrison is currently worth 2.2 wins according to Fangraphs and is slashing .275/.356/.424 as the final game before the All Start break nears.

Connor Walsh

After an excellent outing on an individual level on Friday, Walsh did not pitch for the Birmingham Barons on Saturday.

Ryan Atkinson

Atkinson also remained on the bench, which is completely normal considering he just made a start on Wednesday and is still resting up for his next one.