Chicago Cubs Recap: Tyler Chatwood, Nolan Arenado lead Rockies over Cubs, 2-0

The Chicago Cubs ran into a hot pitcher and a hitter who was in a zone today.

The Cubs lost to Tyler Chatwood‘s impressive two-hit performance over seven innings as the Rockies took the series against the Cubs, winning 2-0 on Sunday. Third baseman Nolan Arenado hit two solo shots for his fifth and sixth home runs of the young season.

Arenado now has a scorching .700 slugging percentage. As it turned out, his home run in the top of the fourth inning would give the righty Chatwood (2-1, 2.79 ERA) the cushion he would need as he kept the Cubs off-balance all day.

He located his pitches extremely well and fanned seven Cubs on the afternoon. Jon Lester (1-1, 2.21 ERA) had a fine outing, and was locked up in a pitchers duel, but Chatwood got the better of him. Lester struck out 10 Rockies while walking only one. He made a mistake to Arenado and that run held up today.

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The Rockies took the series from the Cubs and now have a 7-5 record this season. The Cubs (9-3) have played strong baseball in the early days of the season. They have gotten excellent starting pitching and Lester’s outing today was good.

Lester had his first career double as a Cub in the 6th inning. The Cubs could not drive him in. In the 9th inning, Heyward hit a one-out double to put himself in scoring position and Anthony Rizzo was hit by a pitch, but Kris Bryant struck out to end the game.

Sometimes you have to tip your hat to the opposition. This was the case today. It’s not every day someone comes in and throws a two-hitter. It’s not every day, a player hits two home runs against the Cubs, but it happened today.

It’s been said that baseball is a marathon. The games start out in chilly April weather, continue into Spring, then move over to the heat of Summer.

Next: MM: Arrieta owns Wrigley Field once again

Right now, the Ivy on the outfield walls has not blossomed and it looks a bit odd. But in a matter of weeks, the Ivy will be blossoming, and Wrigley Field will look like the beautiful park that it is.

Now, Chicago goes on the road to play rival St. Louis in a four-game set. Another test for the Cubs. You can forget about this game and go onto the next one. John Lackey (2-0, 5.68 ERA) will open up the series against the Cardinals, his former team.