Chicago Cubs silence Nolan Arenado, Rockies in fifth-straight win

Kris Bryant recorded his first hit since returning from injury and made an outstanding defensive play as the Chicago Cubs won their fifth-straight game.

Can’t say I’m surprised. After Jon Lester gave way to the Chicago Cubs bullpen, the relievers shut the door on the Colorado Rockies in a 3-2 win. The victory marked the team’s third one-run game in their last five contests.

Chicago (16-10), winners of five consecutive games, sealed their win in the bottom of the sixth inning. And it all started with an inning-opening triple from none other than Kris Bryant. The Cubs third baseman had struggled since returning, but he lined a ball to left, racing around to open the inning with a bang.

Anthony Rizzo, in the throes of a dreadful season-opening slump, followed with a ground ball to second, scoring Bryant and giving the Cubs the lead. Despite the RBI, the first baseman’s average fell to .149 on the year after an 0-for-4 night at the plate.

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One tough inning

On the mound, Jon Lester fell one out shy of another quality start. After holding Colorado at bay for five innings, the left-hander ran into trouble in the top of the fifth. A single and a walk put Lester on the ropes right away in the inning.

After Contreras picked off Noel Cuevas, who led off the inning with a knock, second base, Kyle Freeland laid down a sac bunt. Javier Baez dropped the throw from Willson Contreras, putting men at first and second with one away. After an Ian Desmond lineout, Charlie Blackmon singled to center, scoring the tying run.

Nolan Arenado followed with a double, giving the Rockies their first and only lead of the game – and it didn’t last long. An Albert Almora single in the bottom of the inning tied the game. In the sixth, Bryant and Rizzo combined to put the Cubs ahead for good.

Not to be overlooked, Luke Farrell picked up his first big league win, tossing 1 1/3 innings of scoreless ball. The right-hander combined with Pedro Strop, Brian Duensing and Steve Cishek to close things out and send the Cubs into a new month riding high.

What Stood Out

With the Cubs win and Pirates loss, Chicago heads into the month of May in sole possession of first place in the NL Central.

Winners of five consecutive games, the Cubs are still two games shy of their longest win streak of 2017. A sweep of the Rockies would tie said streak – but, for now, the club is definitely happy with this recent run.

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What’s Next

Chicago and Colorado continue their series on Tuesday at Wrigley Field.

Kyle Hendricks (2-1, 3.10) takes the ball for the Cubs. Jon Gray (2-4, 5.79) opposes him for the Rockies. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. CT from the Confines.