Cubs Overpower Giants, Win Big

If anyone was even a little worried about the Cubs (29-11), who had lost five of their last eight games, their dismantling of the Giants (25-19) last night should put them at ease. All Jake Arrieta needed last night was the Cubs five-run second inning led by Kris Bryant’s towering 3-run blast, his eighth home run of the year.

Cubs win big over the Giants 8-1 (box score).

For his part, Jake pitched yet another gem. Three of this four hits surrendered came in the bottom of the third inning, that’s when the Giants scored their lone run of the game. Jake pitched seven strong innings and struck out eight batters on his way to his eighth win of the year.

A scary moment happened for the Cubs in the first inning when the lead off batter for the Giants hit a deep shot to right field. It initially looked like it might get out of the yard as the the ball seemed to be sailing over Jason Heyward’s head. Somehow Heyward was able to track the ball and made a spectacular diving grab. When Jason dove for the ball he landed very awkwardly, with his legs twisting past his torso. He left the game and early reports are that nothing is broken but Jason will undergo an MRI Saturday to check for structural issues.

Stats that mattered

• Jake was solid – 7IP, 1R, 4H, 2BB, 8Ks and a one-run single in the second inning – nice touch, Jake.
• Kris Bryant came through in the clutch (again) and gave the Cubs the breathing room they needed it with his second inning home run. He finished 2-for-5, 1R, 4RBIs, 1 very important HR
• Ben Zobrist got in on the fun with a solo shot of his own in the top of the eighth inning
• Jorge Soler made it back-to-back home runs when he hit a home run after Zobrist’s in the top of the eighth. He had a good overall game and made a great leaping grab in left field as well. He finished 2-for-4, 2R, 1 RBI
• Jake Peavy got crushed – 1.2IP, 5R, 7H, 2BB, 1 towering Kris Bryant home run

Bottom line

The Cubs went into AT&T Park and completely shut down the hottest team in the League. Their bats came back to life in San Francisco. After scoring eigtht runs in their last four games the Cubs put up eight again, in one game. That’s more like the Cubs we know and love, and it’s more like what we expect to see from them.

Next up

The Cubs will take on the Giants at AT&T Park again today at 6:15 PM CDT. Jon Lester will take the mound for the Cubs as they go for two straight wins against the first-place Giants.