Cubs offense ‘clicks as an entire group’ in series win over Rays

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Leave it to left fielder Micahel Conforto, to get the big hit for the Cubs.

With the bases loaded in the fifth inning, Conforto delivered a bases-clearing, two-run scoring double — the other run scored on an error — in Wednesday’s 6-2 win that broke the game open for the Cubs.

Conforto said he didn’t get off to the start he wanted to at Wrigley Field because he was consistently late at the plate. He tweaked his routine and and has emphasized getting his hands set and pushing the contact point out in front.

“We got a big hit today,” manager Craig Counsell said of Conforto’s bases-clearing hit. “We jumped on a big pitch and then we kept the pressure on that inning, too.”

Second baseman Nico Hoerner followed up with an RBI double and later scored on a throwing error by Hunter Feduccia. The Cubs were opportunistic and took advantage of the Rays’ shaky defensive play. There was some good fortune, but the Cubs had endured some bad hitting luck of late.

Hoerner has been on a hot streak, extending his hitting streak to four games after Wednesday. Entering Wednesday, he was batting .350 with a 1.019 OPS in April. He slugged his first homer of the season and went 3-for-5.

“I don’t go into at-bats trying to hit home runs,” Hoerner said. “But I do want to get pitches that I can drive. I want to hit balls hard, high line drives, preferably to the pull side in the air, but not getting away from the things that make [me] myself.”

The offense totaled 15 runs over the past two games, a boon after a slow start to the season. Given the injuries to the pitching staff, the Cubs’ lineup will need to maintain its high level.

“It’s super uplifting,” Hoerner said. “Whether it’s the beginning of the year, the middle of the year, it’s always a huge deal when you have games where you click as an entire group.”

Bullpen woes

The Cubs’ bullpen hasn’t performed up to standard to start the season. Entering Wednesday, the bullpen ranked 11th in ERA (4.57). And they can thank the Cubs’ stout defense for the figure being that low because the expected ERA is 5.52.

Phil Maton’s struggles are troubling because of the faith the organization put in him by signing him to a multiyear deal (two-years, $14.5 million). Relievers are volatile from year-to-year, which is why president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has eschewed pouring big money into the position group. Maton allowed four runs in 1 ⅔ total innings against the Rays on Monday and Tuesday.

“Phil’s one of those guys that you know you’re going to count on for big innings,” Counsell said.

Injury update

• Cubs left fielder Ian Happ was out of the lineup Wednesday with a left heel contusion. Counsell said Happ bruised it Monday and he was available off the bench Wednesday.

• Right fielder Seiya Suzuki is on track to make his season debut Friday against the Pirates. Suzuki has been on the injured list since the beginning of the season because of a PCL sprain he suffered in the World Baseball Classic.