Pirates Fold Under Cubs Relentless Hitting, Arrieta Wins Again
The Cubs (27-8) played long ball again today against the Pirates (18-17) in the second game of the three-game series at Wrigley. The Pirates actually struck first, and they must’ve felt on top of the world with that 2-0 lead in the top of the fourth inning.
The Cubs stormed back on a Anthony Rizzo three-run home run in the bottom of the fourth inning. Addison Russell hit a laser shot into the teeth of the wind in the bottom of the sixth inning — a two run home run that made the score 5-3. Fowler, Rizzo and Bryant all added one-run singles and the Cubs win against the Pirates for the fifth straight time this year by the score of 8-2 (box score). The Cubs have now outscored the Pirates 37-11 this year….ouch!
Jake Arrieta was solid as usual today. He pitched eight innings and gave up two runs, three hits and struck out eleven.
Stats that mattered
- Jason Heyward is starting to make an impact offensively – 3-for-4, 2R, 1BB
- Addison Russell was slashing .412/.474/.824 entering today’s game. He’s now hit homers in back-to-back games
- Ben Zobrist keeps on keepin’ on – 2-for-3, 2BB, 1R
- Jake being Jake – 8IP, 2R, 3H, 2BB, 11Ks
Bottom line
The Pirates just can’t seem to do anything against the Cubs this year. The Cubs now own a nine game lead over the Pirates just 35 games into the season.
Next up
It doesn’t get any easier for the Pirates as Jon Lester will take the hill tomorrow for the Cubs. Game time it 1:20 PM CDT.
