Hamels goes distance as Cubs rock Reds

Thursday marked the start of American Legion week for the Cubs, which means players are encouraged to show up late at Wrigley Field to get rest and prepare for the stretch run in September. Javier Baez and Anthony Rizzo appear to be feeling pretty fresh, judging by their home runs. Baez launched a monster 481-foot homer, the longest at Wrigley Field this season, and Rizzo added a two-run shot in the first to back Cole Hamels and power the Cubs to a 7-1 victory over the Reds. Hamels enjoyed the home run derby. He improved to 4-0 since the Cubs acquired him from the Rangers at the Trade Deadline, throwing his first complete game since Aug. 5, 2017, when he went the distance against the Twins. This also was the first complete game by a Cubs starter this year.