Ian Happ's historic leadoff homers powered a 5-HR barrage as the Cubs beat the Mariners 10-7 on June 21, 2025. See how the Wrigley slugfest unfolded.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
On a day when the Wrigley Field flags were whipping straight out and the air was thick with summer heat, the Cubs' bats were even hotter. Ian Happ blasted two home runs, including a historic leadoff shot, to ignite a five-homer barrage that propelled the Cubs to a wild 10-7 victory over the Seattle Mariners.
Ian Happ became the first Cubs batter since Anthony Rizzo in 2017 to hit leadoff home runs in consecutive games, making a little bit of North Side history.
Before fans could even settle into their seats, Ian Happ was rewriting the record books. For the second straight day, he led off the game with a home run, a feat not accomplished by a Cub since Anthony Rizzo in 2017. But the fireworks were just beginning. Newcomer Kyle Tucker, acquired in that blockbuster deal for Cam Smith, followed Happ with a solo shot of his own. The back-to-back jacks to start the game marked only the fifth time a Cubs duo has done that since 1900, providing an instant jolt of energy and a 2-0 lead.
The long ball parade was an all-hands-on-deck affair. After Happ added a three-run blast in the second inning to stake the Cubs to a commanding lead, Michael Busch joined the party with a crucial three-run homer of his own in the third. Not to be outdone, speedster Pete Crow-Armstrong showed off his pop with a solo shot in the fifth. It was a relentless display of power, proving that on a day when the wind is blowing out, this Cubs lineup is built to do maximum damage.
While the offense was putting on a clinic, the pitching staff had to grind through the tough conditions. Rookie Cade Horton battled, giving up six runs (five earned) over 4.2 innings, but the offensive cushion was enough. The bullpen, featuring Drew Pomeranz and Daniel Palencia, did just enough to hold off a late Mariners surge. This win highlights a key part of the Cubs' identity: they have the firepower to win slugfests. And while they dealt a top prospect to get a key piece like Tucker, the farm system remains loaded with seven Top 100 prospects, ensuring that reinforcements and future trade chips are always waiting in the wings.
This wasn't just another win; it was a statement. A reminder of the explosive potential this offense possesses, especially at a hitter-friendly Wrigley Field. As the Cubs look to build on this victory, they'll need this brand of baseball—powerful, relentless, and exciting—to keep climbing the standings. If Saturday was any indication, this team has the bats to make the rest of the summer a whole lot of fun.