CHICAGO -- Here's a quick look at the Chicago Cubs' 6-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday night:
How it happened: The Cubs' offense woke up with multiple-run innings in the third, fourth and sixth. Anthony Rizzo homered in the third and Starlin Castro did the same in the fourth. After an 1-hour, 6-minute rain delay, the Cubs put up two more in the sixth on a two-run single by David DeJesus. Edwin Jackson sailed through the first 5 2/3 innings until the rain came, but he returned after the delay and retired seven more batters. His only blemish was an opposite-field double in the eighth that scored the Brewers' only run. Jackson gave up eight hits in eight innings, walking none and striking out four.
What it means: With the core and some ancillary players intact after the trade deadline, the Cubs will need to find this kind of offense the rest of the season, especially without Alfonso Soriano around anymore. Seeing Rizzo and Castro homer in the same game, as Jackson continues to rebound from a rough start on the mound, has to be a good sign for the front office. They are committed to these players both short and long term and they need to produce. On Wednesday they did.
Outside the box: Rizzo and Castro homered in the same game for the second time this season and third time in their careers. ... Darwin Barney sat for the second consecutive game as Luis Valbuena started at second base. ... Cody Ransom broke an 0-for-22 skid with a sixth-inning double.
What's next: The first-place Los Angeles Dodgers come to town for a four-game series starting Thursday night when Chris Rusin faces Ricky Nolasco.
