Chicago Cubs Recap: Cubs grabbed early lead and never looked back.

The Chicago Cubs jumped all over Zach Davies in the first inning and used that to complete their second straight series win, 7-4 over Milwaukee.

A two run double by Addison Russell and a two run triple by Jason Heyward in the first got the Chicago Cubs offense rolling off Zach Davies. With the blink of an eye, the Chicago Cubs had a 4-0 lead before Jake Arrieta even took the mound. Kyle Schwarber added a solo shot in the top of second to add to the Cubs lead.

It looked like Davies was going to be done early, but he settled down after that and allowed just one hit in his final three innings of work. The Brewers got back into the game in the third inning. With two outs and a runner on, Arrieta walked Eric Thames. Ryan Braun then crushed a three run homer to center field to pull the Brewers to within two.

Arrieta’s Strong Start

Arrieta didn’t let the three run homer rattle him though. In fact, you can argue that Arrieta got better after allowing the home run. At one point, Arrieta struck out five consecutive batters, on his way to ten strikeouts for the game. This was his 13th career 10+ strikeout game. He went seven innings, allowing just three hits and walking two batters.

Arrieta is now 2-0 to start the season and is well on his way to another solid campaign as he heads in free agency at the end of the season. Since the beginning of 2015, Arrieta has won 42 games to just ten losses.

The Cubs added a few more in the seventh inning. Ben Zobrist lead off the inning with a home run and then Heyward knocked in his third run of the game win an RBI single. Domingo Santana hit a solo homer in the ninth to make it a 7-4 game off Hector Rondon.

What Stood Out

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Bryant has clearly awaken from his slump, as he had another three hit game, but is still looking for that first home run. Heyward also continues his hot start to the season. He had two more hits today to elevate his average to .333. Heyward also drove in three of the Cubs seven runs. It looks like the new swing for Heyward may be working.

Rizzo, on the other hand, continues to struggle at the plate. He went 0-for-5, including bouncing into a double play. His average is down to just .167 without a home run. Looks like the slump watch now moves to Rizzo. Much like Bryant’s slump though, I am not really worried. Rizzo has been one of the most consistent offensive producers over the three seasons.

Player of the Game

I am going to give the player of the game to Jason Heyward. Heyward hit the ball sharply all five times at the plate. He had two more hits and 3 RBI. Heyward could have easily had five hits, but some stellar defense from the Brewers robbed him off a few more hits. While it’s a long season, it’s definitely promising to see Heyward get off to a fast start.

What’s Next?

The Chicago Cubs (4-2)  head to renovated Wrigley Field for the first time since Game 5 of the World Series. It will be an NLCS rematch as the Los Angeles Dodgers come to town. Jon Lester (0-0, 1.80 ERA) will get the nod and be opposed by lefty Alex Wood. Wood will make his first start, as he fills in for injured Rich Hill. First pitch is set for 7:05 on ESPN. The Cubs will raise the championship banners before the game.