Ian Happ Ends 70-Game Homer Drought with Solo Shot The Chicago Cubs faced the Kansas City Royals on Saturday at Kauffman Stadium, with the game highlighting both progress and setbacks for the team. Clay Holmes made his debut for the Cubs, while Ian Happ ended a 70-game streak without a home run. Despite these developments, the Cubs fell to the Royals 6-3, with key moments shaping the outcome. Clay Holmes, acquired in a trade, made his debut for the Cubs after a three-month absence due to a fractured right fibula. The right-handed pitcher took the mound for the first time since mid-May, but his performance showed signs of rust. Holmes pitched four innings, allowing four runs on six hits, with two walks and one strikeout. The Royals’ Jac Caglianone hit a 111.9 mph sinker from Holmes for a 448-foot home run in the first inning. Caglianone also added an RBI double in the third inning, putting the Royals ahead 4-0. Manager Craig Counsell acknowledged the difficulty of Holmes’ return, noting that the pitcher had not been in compete mode for three months. “The reality of this thing is he has been out three months,” Counsell said. “He hasn’t been in compete mode for a while. That part, we’ve got to quicken it up as much as we can, but it’s probably going to take a little bit of time.” Holmes admitted to feeling the effects of his absence, stating, “It feels good to be back. It took a lot of work to get back to this point. Obviously, that’s not the full goal. You want to get back and help this team win games. I just wasn’t quite sharp enough tonight, but it was a good step.” Ian Happ provided a bright spot for the Cubs, ending his 70-game streak without a home run. The left fielder, who had gone 0-for-August and was hitting .182 in August, launched a solo homer in the sixth inning.#chicago_cubs #kansas_city_royals #craig_counsell #clay_holmes #ian_happ
