The Chicago Cubs are gaining momentum in June, and Tuesday’s 8-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies highlighted a crucial breakout performance from Ian Happ. The veteran outfielder sparked the offense by hitting two home runs, helping lead the Cubs to the win and earning high praise from manager Craig Counsell in the aftermath.
In a video posted by Marquee Sports Network on X (formerly Twitter), Cubs manager Craig Counsell reacted to Ian Happ’s standout performance with a notable quote, offering insight into the significance of the veteran outfielder’s big game.
“I think we knew this was coming … and it’s fun to see,” said Cubs manager Craig Counsell in response to Ian Happ’s breakout performance.
Counsell went on to emphasize how Happ’s resurgence embodies what makes an offense truly dangerous and well-rounded.
“Everyone had a lot of faith that this was coming… this is what makes a good team, a good offense. Ian can not be clicking, then get hot and win you a game,” Counsell added.
Ian Happ’s power display on Tuesday marked the 16th multi-homer game of his career, and it couldn’t have come at a more critical time, with the Cubs-Phillies series carrying significant playoff implications. Happ went 2-for-3 at the plate with two home runs, three RBIs, and three runs scored. His second homer—a sixth-inning blast—gave the Cubs a lead they wouldn’t surrender.
The Cubs’ official social media account shared a replay of the second home run, capturing the momentum shift and electric atmosphere at Wrigley Field. While Phillies rookie pitcher Mick Abel had impressed in his first two MLB starts, he ran into trouble Tuesday, surrendering three pivotal home runs to Happ, Dansby Swanson, and Michael Busch.
Looking ahead, the NL Central standings have the Cubs leading the division with a 41-26 record, holding a 4.5-game cushion over the second-place St. Louis Cardinals. With Ben Brown slated to take the mound against Jesús Luzardo in the series finale, momentum appears to be firmly in the Cubs’ favor.
Manager Craig Counsell’s “crystal ball” comment wasn’t just a catchy quote—it spoke to the clubhouse’s belief in Ian Happ as a steady veteran presence. If Happ can keep swinging a hot bat, the Cubs stand a strong chance of holding onto first place and further establishing themselves as one of the most consistent and well-rounded lineups in the league.