Ian Happ’s first-inning homer makes history for Cubs

Something about the first inning gives the Cubs’ offense a jolt.

Maybe manager Craig Counsell gives the best pregame speeches. But whatever the reason, the Cubs have shown up to start games, and that continued Thursday.

With runners on first and second, left fielder Ian Happ belted a three-run homer to left field to give the Cubs an early 3-0 lead. His homer allowed the Cubs to become the first team with a first-inning homer in four consecutive playoff games in the same postseason, according to ESPN stats and info.

It was a big moment for Happ, who has struggled throughout the playoffs. He entered Thursday with a 45.8% strikeout rate in the playoffs. He was batting .095/.174/.286 in the playoffs.

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