Levine: Dexter Fowler Sets Tone For Cubs

By Bruce Levine--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- In the past two seasons, the Cubs' record when lead-off man Dexter Fowler scores at least one run is a sparkling 87-32. When he scores twice or more, that mark is 27-4.

Winning and getting on base have been what Fowler and his special mojo have been all about for the past two years.

On Tuesday, that trend continued, as Fowler went 3-for-4 with two runs and a stolen base, helping set the tone in Chicago's 3-2 win against Miami at Wrigley Field. Fowler has been superb in the past five games, reaching base in 13 of his past 22 plate appearances.

Fowler's efforts Tuesday supported right-hander James Hammel, who tossed six shutout innings and won his career-high 11th game.

"You can see the difference in our offense as soon as Dex came back," said Hammel, referencing a hamstring injury that cost Fowler parts of June and July. "He announced his presence with authority."

Fowler missed 28 games with a hamstring strain that he suffered on June 18. When Fowler was out, the Cubs had a stretch in which they went 6-14, and they went 11-17 in his absence.

Chicago is 8-4 since Fowler returned on July 22.

"He is the engine of this machine," Hammel said. "As he goes, we go. That is hard to find. Obviously, it's nice to have him back."

Fowler is modest when talking about his individual accomplishments. Still, that 87-32 metric when he scores a run is impressive, good for a .731 winning percentage.

"It is awesome when your guys follow up when you get on base," Fowler said. "My job is to get on base, get some things started and cause some havoc."

To remember now that Fowler almost signed a three-year deal with the Orioles in the offseason before rethinking and re-signing with the Cubs is mind boggling, considering how much he's meant to Chicago this year.

"He was outstanding," manager Joe Maddon said of Fowler. "He got the whole thing rolling. He was involved in just about everything tonight. When he is playing at this level, he definitely picks everybody up. It increases everybody's confidence. He is also a nuisance to the other team. He has power now. You are going to see some of his hits go into the stands."

Fowler's .403 on-base percentage, good for fourth in the National League, is key for the lineup and the Cubs' quest to score runs early and often. His 69 triples, including one Tuesday, are the most in baseball since the start of the 2009 season.

"Everybody is having fun." Fowler said. "We come in here every day feeling like we are going to win. Any time a group come in with that attitude, good things are going to happen."

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.