Kris Bryant’s bat provides fireworks in 7-2 win over the Marlins

Bryant, Richard grand in win

Kris Bryant – who has struggled over the last week – entertained the fans who attended Wrigley Field on Independence Day with some fireworks of his own by launching two home runs including a grand slam as the Chicago Cubs would go on to defeat the Miami Marlins by the final score of 7-2 Saturday evening.

His first home run of the ballgame put the Cubs (43-36) up 2-0 on a two-run shot to left-center field off returning starting pitcher, Jarred Cosart during the first inning to back up newly acquired Clayton Richard.

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Richard was picked up the other day from the Pittsburgh Pirates for cash considerations and took the place of the struggling Donn Roach who just wasn’t able to keep himself a spot in the rotation.

Chicago broke free just an inning later, this time with the bases loaded. Richard struck out on a foul bunt in an attempt to advance both Chris Coghlan and Chris Denorfia who reached safely.

Rookie second baseman Addison Russell recorded a five-pitch walk with only one out in the frame to load up the bases for Dexter Fowler who has also been through some struggles of his own in the batter’s box.

Fowler would be credited with an RBI after making it 3-0 courtesy of a bases-loaded walk, keeping things going for first baseman Anthony Rizzo. Rizzo ended up being called out on strikes with Bryant due up behind him.

The 23-year-old phenom clubbed his first big league grand slam in the 17-0 blow-out victory over the Cleveland Indians just a couple of weeks ago, but hasn’t done much since.

Bryant made it 7-0 with his 12th big fly of the season and second career multi-homer game that also cleared the bases. He would finish the game 2-for-4 with six RBI.

Richard (1-0, 2.84 ERA) was rather impressive in his debut with the North Siders Saturday afternoon. In 6 1/3 frames, he held the Marlins (35-47) to two earned runs on eight hits while issuing one walk and striking out for batter’s.

His counterpart, Cosart (1-4, 5.36 ERA), lasted only 1 2/3 innings before he was pulled from the mound. Chicago tagged him for seven earned runs on only four hits as he managed to issue four walks while striking out just two.

Former Cub Jeff Baker cut into this seven run lead by reaching on a force attempt which resulted in Bryant being charged with an error. This allowed speedy Dee Gordon to score while the bases remained loaded.

Miami received their final run of the game on an RBI double off the bat of Adeiny Hechavarria to left field, making it 7-2.

The Cubs will go for the series win tomorrow when Kyle Hendricks squares off against Mat Latos.

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