Bryant, Rizzo lead Cubs past Marlins

[May 10, 2019]  Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo homered, leading the host Chicago Cubs to a 4-1 win over the Miami Marlins on Thursday.

In his first game since he was put on the injured list after his April 4 outing, reliever Mike Montgomery (1-0) earned the win. He pitched five scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and two walks.

The NL Central-leading Cubs have won 10 of their past 11 games. The Marlins, last in the NL East, have lost 10 of their last 12.

Bryant, who slugged a solo blast in the first that carried 416 feet to left, has homered in four of his last five games. Rizzo, who smashed a two-run shot in the fifth that carried 422 feet to center, has six homers in his past 11 games. Both of them hit the first pitch from Trevor Richards.

Cubs starter Yu Darvish -- who failed to get a decision -- lasted just four innings. He struck out seven and allowed just one hit and one run, but he walked six, running his pitch count to 97.

Richards (0-5) took the loss, allowing seven hits, two walks and four runs in five innings. He struck out six.

Chicago opened the scoring with two runs in the first. With one out, Bryant pulled a 92 mph fastball for his seventh homer of the season. The Cubs then continued the rally with two outs, as Javier Baez walked, went to third on Kyle Schwarber's single and scored on Albert Almora's RBI single.

Miami threatened in the third, drawing three walks to load the bases with two outs. But, on a 3-2 pitch, Darvish got Neil Walker to swing and miss on a cut fastball that was low and clocked in at 89 mph.

Cubs starting pitcher Yu Darvish (11) reacts in the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

The Marlins finally got on the board with the help of a surprising play in the fourth inning. Peter O'Brien, a 28-year-old known for his power and not his speed, walked, stole the first base of his career and scored on Rosell Herrera's two-out single.

Chicago stretched its lead to 4-1 in the fifth. Bryant drew an eight-pitch walk, and Rizzo lofted his two-run homer, hammering a curve. Rizzo went down and got the pitch, and his back knee ended up in the dirt on his follow through.

--Field Level Media

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