Chicago Cubs News: Arrieta hurls gem in Game 2; Bryant earns award

Wednesday was a big night for the Chicago Cubs who rebounded with an impressive Game 2 win. Before their right-hander took the mound, the soon-to-be MVP took the field alongside a couple of legends.

Pictured above is Chicago Cubs third baseman, Kris Bryant shaking hands with Hall of Fame slugger, Hank Aaron. The man who broke Babe Ruth‘s home run record has an award named after him, given to the best hitters in both the American and National League.

Accompanying Bryant ahead of Game 2 of the World Series is another man who will find himself in the Hall of Fame. Boston Red Sox great, David Ortiz. Ortiz, like David Ross, entered his final season as an active player.

Both men entered 2016 with expectations of reaching and winning the World Series while contributing as much as they could. Ortiz broke out with one of the best campaigns as a big league player.

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Current Indians’ skipper, Terry Francona, witnessed first hand at how good Ortiz was over the course of his career. The 40-year-old lefty hammered 38 home runs, 127 RBI which just so happens to be fourth-best in his 19-year career.

On top of hitting long balls and driving in runs, Ortiz slashed .315/.401/.620/.1.021 in 537 at-bats with the Red Sox. Cleveland ended his career as the Red Sox were swept in the American League Division Series.

And then you have Kris Bryant. Bryant played a huge part in the Chicago Cubs winning their first division title since 2008 and pennant in 71-years.

KBVP

Despite a slow start to the World Series, Bryant tore up the regular season, competing with Nolan Arenado in a home run race. Kris finished the year with 39 homers, 102 RBI, 35 doubles, three triples, 176 hits, 121 runs while hitting .292/.385/.554/.939.

Good enough to earn him his first Hank Aaron award in just his second year as a big league player — not bad. As far as last night was concerned, Bryant got things going with a single in the first and scored the first run on Anthony Rizzo‘s RBI double.

It looked as if one run was just enough for the right-hander, Jake Arrieta, who battled his way through Cleveland. Issuing multiple walks on the evening, Arrieta struck out six hitters and took a no-hitter into the sixth inning.

Next: Schwarber, Arrieta lead Cubs to Game 2 win

Last night’s offensive showing could have resulted in a few more runs but it was just enough to get the job done. Heading back to Wrigley with the series tied and Kyle Hendricks on the mound to begin Game 3 is just what they needed.

The idea of taking the series opener from Corey Kluber was a tough task but facing him a second time around should work out in their favor. I mean, take a look at how hard they hit Clayton Kershaw in Game 6.

A man who pitched a gem of his own — a 1-0 shutout at Wrigley Field on only a few days of rest. Kluber is expected to start both Game 4 and Game 7 if the series was to return to Cleveland.