Christopher Morel makes history as Cubs’ slump continues

PHILADELPHIA — The Cubs have limped through a 3-7 stretch over the last week and a half, but Christopher Morel’s bat has stayed hot. Historically so.

In the Cubs’ 12-3 loss Saturday to the Phillies, Morel hit his seventh home run of the year, a solo shot to center field in the eighth inning.

He became the first Cub in the modern era to hit seven home runs in his first 10 games of a season. He is also the 13th Cub to have a 10-game streak with a hit and a run, and the first to do so to start his season.

“Every time he steps in the box, there’s a real threat,” second baseman Nico Hoerner said, “and that’s an incredible skill set.”

Morel still has areas he can improve — namely his defense and plate discipline — which is promising for the Cubs, considering the impact he already has made early in his career.

The Cubs expect him to make mistakes. That’s part of the development process.

“But he also turns the page and hits one 4,000 feet,” manager David Ross said before the game Saturday.

Playing right field in the seventh inning, Morel caught a line drive with runners on first and third. He appeared to check first base, but the hesitation ruined his chance to throw out Edmundo Sosa, who was tagging at third to score. Morel made a perfect throw, but it was late.

The next inning, he hit the ball 406 feet — just shy of 4,000.