Chicago (Wrigley Field) -
The reigning NL MVP Kris Bryant (#KBTheNatural) became the first player in team history to hit 25 or more home runs in each of his first 3 seasons as the Cubs beat the Atlanta Braves 6-2 at The Friendly Confines. "It's pretty crazy when you think of the history of this organization. To be the first to do that. I mean it's really cool, an honor and very humbling. It feels good, he said. Bryant has been battling nagging injuries all season but you'd never know. He's hitting .293 with 25 HR and 59 RBI in 125 games.
#KBTheNatural became the first player in team history to hit 25 or more HR's in each of his first 3 seasons (Photo by John L Alexander)
Jon Jay (#JRoc) set the tone for the offense. He was 4-5 with a triple and 2 runs scored. ""He's an acquired taste...when u watch him everyday he's just very impressive. The ability to keep him fresh is key for us," says manager Joe Maddon. Anthony Rizzo (#BigFOLKS) got his 97th ribby of the season to score Jay and give the Cubs a 1-0 lead in the 1st. Ben Zobrist (#TheVet), Javier Baez (#ELMago) and Rene Rivera each chipped in with an rbi.
Kyle Hendricks (#PoetryInMotion) got his 6th win of the year while still trying to find his groove. He battled 6.2 innings allowing 2 runs (1 earned) while walking 3 and striking out 5. He threw 99 pitches-58 for strikes. "I was uncomfortable, felt weird and my timing was off. Today the guys made plays behind me and we got enough runs to win. Rene was key in getting me thru the game. It was just one of those days. I just have to stay in my mechanics.
Hendricks had a huge pick off in the top of the 1st that kicked it off for the defense. Joe Maddon credits that to his mechanics. "The pick off was crucial. His quick feet and accurate throws to 1st give him a big advantage with his pickoff move."
The Cubs are 3.5 games ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers. They look to make it 5 wins in a row today....first pitch is set for 1:20. John Lackey is going for win #11 in game 2 of the 4 game set.
*Addison Russell re-aggravated the plantar fasciitis in his foot and it's looking like 3 weeks before he returns
*Cubs acquire veteran OF Leonys Martin and cash from the Seattle Mariners for cash and a player to be named later
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