Cubs Hits Of The Week (5/12 Through 5/18)
The five hits that did the most to enhance the Cubs' chance of winning during a week that can only be described as Sorianolicious, as measured by FanGraphs' Win Probability Added (WPA):
#5 Big Hit: Wednesday, v. the Padres, 7th inning — The Cubs had knocked Jake Peavy from the game and taken a 4-0 lead before the Padres drew to within a run, thanks to a 3-spot in the top of the fifth. Geovany Soto then smashed a Wil Ledezma pitch for a two-run homer to give the Cubs some breathing room. WPA .143
#4 Big Hit: Wednesday, v. the Padres, 2nd inning — After connecting for a lead-off homer in the bottom of the first, Alfonso Soriano (you're going to be seeing that name a lot on this list) strokes a two-out, two-run single against Peavy that puts the Cubs up 3-0. WPA .153
#3 Big Hit: Saturday, v. the Pirates, 2nd inning — The second hit in Soriano's five-hit afternoon was this RBI single that scored Mark DeRosa and, after Jason Bay misplayed the ball, Reed Johnson came home as well, putting the Cubs up, 3-1. WPA .190
#2 Big Hit: Monday, v. the Padres, 5th inning — Fonsie belts a two-run homer off of Randy Wolf to get the Cubs in front, 3-2, on the way to a 12-3 victory. WPA .199
#1 Big Hit: Saturday, v. the Pirates, 7th inning — Soriano contributes his 4th hit and second home run of the afternoon at the expense of Tyler Yates, a rocket into the leftfield bleachers that leaves the Cubs and Pirates tied at 5-5. WPA .232
Between Monday, 5/12 and Sunday, 5/18, Soriano went 16-for-31 with 7 HR and 14 RBI.
Everyone on the Cubs Hits Of The Week staff would like to officially register their awe.
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