CHICAGO -- It took an extra day to start the series with the Cubs, but it took Joc Pederson only two pitches into Tuesday's 4-3 win in Game 1 of a doubleheader to take Tyler Chatwood deep.
It was Pederson's eighth home run of the month and ninth of the season, a line drive that just made it into the right-field catch basket in front of the Wrigley Field bleachers.
Pederson, who began the season on the bench, has inherited significant playing time because of the season-ending Tommy John surgery for shortstop Corey Seager. Chris Taylor has moved to shortstop and opened up center field for Pederson against opposing right-handed starters.
"Probably the biggest reason for his success is his maturity," said manager Dave Roberts. "He's not tinkering like he usually does. Even in Spring Training, look back and my quotes were that he was having good at-bats and not getting results. Same thing early in the season. Now he's getting results."
Pederson's homer leading off the game was the fifth of his career. In 14 games this month, he's 14-for-36 (.389).