Dioner Navarro Hits Three Homeruns In Cubs Victory vs. White Sox

For the first time in his career, Dioner Navarro hit three homers in a game, leading the 9-3 victory for the Chicago Cubs over the White Sox at Wrigley Field. In addition, the 29-year-old switch-hitter achieved another personal record with six RBI and four runs.

The last time a Cubs player turned three homers in one game was in July 20th, 2010. In that occasion the feat was accomplished by the Dominican Aramis Ramirez in a match against Houston also at Wrigley. Regarding catchers achieving this goal, the date goes back to April 17th, 1974, when George Mitterwald did it against Pittsburgh. On the other hand, the last Cubs switch-hitter to hit home runs to the left and right field in a game was Mark Bellhorn from Milwaukee on August 29th, 2002.

Navarro came to this game with just three home runs in the season, one per match, and seven RBI, so Wednesday was undoubtedly his big day. It has become the second Venezuelan player to do so in the history of the league. The first player was Victor Martinez in 2005.

The first two home runs were hit in the second and fourth inning, respectively, with John Danks pitching. The third home run came batting from the left in the seventh.

"I've faced John Danks several times and I know the way he pitches. But the truth is that in the second round I was just trying to put the ball in game because the score was still closed (2-1 in favor of the Cubs)", Navarro said to ESPN.

After his second homer, the Cubs catcher was satisfied, since that achievement already represented a record for him. However, before his last at bat his teammates encouraged him to seek that third home run, and he did it.

After his great performance, Navarro was applauded by more than 30 thousand fans who attended the match to support the Cubs. "I've never been part of it, always had only seen it. Feels extra special because we play for that, for the fans," said the player who this year has been the substitute catcher.

Thanks to his performance, the former Dodger player raised his batting average from .200 to .241, as the Cubs achieved their third straight victory. The players celebrated the achievement giving Navarro a Gatorade bath and putting shaving cream in his face.