Chicago Cubs outfielder Justin Dean collected his first Major League hit, a three-run triple, during a 16-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday at Wrigley Field.
Dean, 29, was promoted from Triple-A Iowa that morning after spending last season with the Dodgers, where he earned a World Series ring. He entered in the seventh inning and drove a sinker from Tyler Rogers to right field for the milestone hit.
Catcher Carson Kelly powered the offense earlier with a first-inning grand slam and finished with six RBIs. The Cubs scored seven runs in the opening frame and added five more in the sixth.
Manager Craig Counsell noted Dean’s long wait for the hit after more than 3,000 minor-league plate appearances. Teammate Pete Crow-Armstrong praised Dean’s work ethic following the standing ovation from fans.
Ben Brown pitched six strong innings to lower his ERA to 1.85 as Chicago improved its record with runners in scoring position.
