CHICAGO -- Albert Almora Jr. and Javier Baez are not only a potent one-two punch at the top of the Cubs' lineup, but they're also keeping pace with each other.
Each one got a hit in the first inning and extended their hitting streaks to 10 games each in the Cubs' 3-2 win over the Brewers on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field.
Almora is batting .372 (16-for-43) during his 10-game stretch, while Baez is hitting .413 (19-for-46).

"I'm going to let these guys ride, let it play," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "They're both doing a wonderful job right now. I want to believe they've ascended to the point where they're going to keep working those at-bats. Right now, both of these guys are taking a different method to the plate."
Milwaukee had taken a 1-0 lead in the first on a sacrifice fly by Jesus Aguilar. Almora then doubled off Brewers starter Brent Suter to lead off the Cubs' first and scored on Baez's single. The 10-game streaks are career highs for both, but don't tell them.
"Nice -- I didn't know," Baez said. "I don't like to follow that, because then I get pressure. That's good to know, and hopefully we keep it going for the team."

For Baez, it was his 25th RBI, tops in the National League. He didn't stop there. Baez stole second and tallied on Anthony Rizzo's single to put the Cubs ahead, 2-1, in the first.
The biggest question the Cubs faced this season regarding their lineup was who would lead off. Ian Happ did so for 10 games; Friday was Almora's 12th at the top.

"I just try to get on base for the guys, and have guys like Javy get me in," Almora said. "They're making my job a lot of fun, running around like crazy out there. I just want to be a team guy and try to get on for those guys."
"I think we both get really [excited] from the first pitch," Baez said. "If they don't pitch to me, they have to pitch to [Anthony Rizzo] or [Kris Bryant]. Being smart about it, being with the same plan, it's been huge for the team."