Chicago Cubs: Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant go back-to-back in opener

Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo went back-to-back and Jon Jay narrowly missed hitting for the cycle as the Chicago Cubs topped the Cincinnati Reds.

A two-out outburst in the bottom of the fourth by the Chicago Cubs proved too much for the struggling Cincinnati Reds Monday night as the reigning World Series champs rolled to a 15-5 win.

With the game tied 2-2 in the fourth, outfielder Jon Jay delivered a run-scoring triple to give the Cubs the lead on an 0-2 pitch. Tommy La Stella followed with a single before the big boys stepped in and did some serious damage.

Bryant got it started with a two-run shot – his second home run in as many nights – and his 22nd of the year. Rizzo followed with a blast onto Sheffield, a solo homer – his 27th home run of the season, giving Chicago a 7-2 lead.

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Chicago (62-55) jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on an Anthony Rizzo RBI double. Reds starter Asher Wojciechowski lasted just 3 2/3 innings, allowing seven earned on 10 hits. He struck out five and did not walk a batter.

Quintana playing with fire

His counterpart, Jose Quintana, danced in and out of trouble again, but limited the damage effectively. He failed to post a quality start for just the second time as a Cub, allowing one earned over five innings of work. He struck out four and walked four.

He gave way to Mike Montgomery, who did it all on Monday night. The southpaw pitched well out of the bullpen and even delivered a two-run knock in the bottom of the seventh to make it a 9-2 game.

La Stella plated the team’s 10th run via a sac fly. Rizzo followed with another single. The first baseman drove in five on the night. He leads the team with 75 RBI on the year. Kyle Schwarber singled to plate another of the club’s runs.

The team’s unsung hero, though, is outfielder Jon Jay. The veteran, who has been a key piece all season, just missed a cycle. He had a single, double and triple – but missed out on the homer.

Javier Baez continued his torrid pace Monday, as well. He hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth.

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What’s Next

Chicago and Cincinnati continue the four-game set all week at Wrigley. Kyle Hendricks (4-4, 3.70) takes the ball for the Cubs and Luis Castillo starts Tuesday for the Reds.

First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. CT at Wrigley Field.