DENVER — Alex Bregman, playing third base for the Chicago Cubs, made a significant contribution to the team’s victory, though he remained critical of his performance. On Thursday, Bregman hit a crucial two-run home run in the seventh inning. This was one of four extra-base hits for the Cubs, who defeated the Colorado Rockies 9-3. The win helped the Cubs move back over .500 and avoid a sweep at Coors Field.

Seiya Suzuki initiated the scoring surge with a grand slam in the fourth inning. He hit an 0-1 slider from Rockies starter Ryan Feltner, propelling the Cubs to a 4-1 lead. The team added two more runs in the fifth, and catcher Carson Kelly finished the scoring with a solo home run in the eighth inning.

Bregman’s home run, his sixth of the season, was his first this year with a runner on base. Despite this achievement, Bregman was not satisfied, believing he should have capitalized on earlier pitches in the game.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell remained optimistic despite recent challenges. “We have very good offensive players,” he stated. “The talent of our players is the source of optimism.” The Cubs had been unable to hit three home runs in a game since April 25. Their 9-3 victory ended a five-game streak where they scored three or fewer runs.

Right-hander Edward Cabrera played a pivotal role on the mound. He pitched for 5 1/3 innings and conceded two runs via solo homers. Bregman, reflecting on the team’s potential, said, “We’ve got a lot of work to do, but today was a step in the right direction.”

Seiya Suzuki’s grand slam marked his third career accomplishment of this kind. It extended his hitting streak to eight games, during which he has maintained a .308/.379/.654 slash line, contributing three home runs and seven RBIs. Suzuki expressed his relief, mentioning his struggle to support the pitchers in previous games.

The Cubs aim to build on this victory, with Bregman noting, “Win tomorrow and it’s a winning streak.”