Since then, the former IU catcher has played at six different levels of the Cubs organization, from low-A ball to the major leagues. He was named MVP of the Futures game in Cincinnati on July 12, which was followed by his second call to the majors.
Schwarber did something Tuesday with the Cubs no other north-sider has done since 1990. In the top of the ninth inning, he hit a 2-run home run to right field to tie the game against Cincinnati. Four innings later, Schwarber hit another home run, once again to right field, putting the Cubs ahead and eventually winning the game.
The last Cub to tie the game in the ninth and win it in extra innings with two home runs was Andre Dawson, 25 years ago.
Schwarber also went 4-for-7 in the Cubs victory, adding a single and an RBI ground rule double to his two home runs. Those four hits were the second time this season Schwarber has recorded four base hits in a game.
The rest of the Cubs team has combined for one 4-hit game all season, when Jorge Soler went 4-for-5 April 20. Tuesday was Schwarber’s 11th game as a Cub. The rest of the team hasn’t matched his 4-hit games in the Cubs first 92 games.
His second call-up was spurred by the Cubs starter behind the plate, Miguel Montero, injuring his thumb.
Montero is scheduled to be re-evaluated in two weeks, when the Cubs will decide how much more time, if any, Montero needs to recover.
In 73 games this season, Montero was hitting .230 with 10 home runs and 32 RBIs. Through his first 12 games in the majors, Schwarber is hitting .429 with three home runs and 11 RBIs.
Michael Hughes
