{"id":95539,"date":"2025-06-11T09:45:16","date_gmt":"2025-06-11T09:45:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/95539\/"},"modified":"2025-06-11T09:45:16","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T09:45:16","slug":"cubs-craig-counsells-crystal-ball-admission-after-ian-happs-huge-game","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/95539\/","title":{"rendered":"Cubs\u2019 Craig Counsell\u2019s crystal ball admission after Ian Happ\u2019s huge game"},"content":{"rendered":"

The post Cubs\u2019 Craig Counsell\u2019s crystal ball admission after Ian Happ\u2019s huge game<\/a> appeared first on ClutchPoints<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The <\/a>Chicago Cubs<\/a> are heating up in June, and Tuesday\u2019s 8-4 win over the Philadelphia Phillies spotlighted a much-needed breakout from Ian Happ. The veteran outfielder launched two home runs to power Chicago\u2019s offense to the win, earning big praise<\/a> from manager Craig Counsell<\/a> afterward.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

In a video shared by Marquee Sports Network on X (formerly known as Twitter), Counsell responded to Happ\u2019s big game with a telling quote.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we knew this was coming \u2026 and it\u2019s fun to see.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Cubs skipper continued, noting that Happ\u2019s resurgence is exactly what defines a dangerous, balanced offense.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone had a lot of faith that this was coming\u2026 this is what makes a good team, a good offense. Ian can not be clicking, then get hot and win you a game.\u201d<\/p>\n

Happ\u2019s power surge marked his 16th career multi-homer game, coming at a time when the Phillies vs. Cubs series is loaded with playoff implications. Happ finished 2-for-3 with two homers, three RBIs, and three runs scored. His sixth-inning blast put the Cubs ahead for good.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

The Cubs\u2019 official social media account posted a replay of the second home run, capturing the energy of a turning point<\/a> in the game. While Phillies rookie pitcher Mick Abel had dazzled in his first two starts, he struggled Tuesday and gave up three key long balls to Happ, Dansby Swanson, and Michael Busch.<\/p>\n

Looking ahead, the NL Central standings show the Cubs atop the division at 41-26, 4.5 games ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals. With Ben Brown set to face Jes\u00fas Luzardo in the series finale, momentum is firmly on the Cubs\u2019 side.<\/p>\n

Counsell\u2019s \u201ccrystal ball\u201d comment<\/a> was more than a soundbite\u2014it reflected a clubhouse confidence in Happ\u2019s role as a veteran anchor. If his bat stays hot, the Cubs could maintain their grip on first place and continue building one of the league\u2019s most consistent lineups.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Related: Cubs receive \u2018great\u2019 Shota Imanaga injury update<\/a><\/p>\n

Related: 1 trade Chicago Cubs must avoid making before 2025 deadline<\/a><\/p>\n