Morning Marquee: Chicago Cubs walk-off, Bryant gets first hit

The Chicago Cubs came back after blowing a four-run lead in the ninth inning on Saturday, topping the reloaded San Diego Padres 7-6 in 11 innings thanks to a walk-off base hit by shortstop Starlin Castro that evened the series at one game apiece.

More from Cubbies Crib

The story of the game was two-fold. Star prospect Kris Bryant, who went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in his big league debut on Friday, showed a much-improved approach at the dish – going 2-for-3 with three walks in the win. He also showcased some sound baserunning early on, advancing to second on a throw from center field to third base.

In other news around the league, the new rivalry between the Kansas City Royals and Oakland Athletics grew a little more heated when Yordano Ventura hit Brett Lawrie with a 99-mph fastball a day after Lawrie uncorked a takeout slide at second base. Ventura was immediately ejected as the A’s rolled to a win in Kansas City.

The New York Mets are stealing the show in the National League East after winning their seventh-straight, despite the injury to captain David Wright and the loss of their closer earlier this month due to a PED suspension. On the other side of the Big Apple, Alex Rodriguez continues to play well for the Yankees, as he inches ever-closer to another rung up the all-time home run ladder.

Here’s more from around the league:

“Castro’s walk-off lifts Cubs to extra-inning win” – Cubbies Crib

“Cubs bench coach finds old baseball in Wrigley Ivy” – FanSided

“Tanaka dominant as Yanks pick up their first series win” – Yanks Go Yard

“Jays win in ten thanks to walk-off home run” – Jays Journal

“Tensions flare between A’s, Royals on Saturday” – MLB.com

Next: ICYMI: I-Cubs fall in home opener to Dodgers

Schedule