Kris Bryant had himself a night. In helping the Cubs overcome the Reds 11-8 on Monday evening, the third baseman finished 5-for-5 with three home runs, six RBI, and four runs scored. He’s the first in baseball history to hit three home runs and two doubles in a game, and his 16 total bases set a Cubs record. The last player to rack up 16 total bases in a game was Josh Hamilton against the Orioles on May 8, 2012, when he hit four home runs.
Bryant gave the Cubs an early lead, doubling home a run in the top of the first inning against Reds starter Dan Straily. He then smacked a solo home run to break a 2-2 tie in the third inning. In the fourth, he pushed the Cubs’ lead to 7-3 by absolutely crushing a two-run home run. Bryant slugged homer number three with the bases empty in the eighth off Ross Ohlendorf, making it a 9-7 Cubs lead.
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Fans at Great American Ball Park, the Reds’ home, pleaded Bryant for a curtain call. He did not deliver. After the game, Bryant said, via the Chicago Tribune, “I’ve never been the type to show up an opponent or anybody. I don’t think it’s ever happened in baseball, and I don’t want to be the first. I’m just not that type of player. I’m glad my teammates are having fun with it. I’m glad there are a lot of Cubs fans here, but I’m not that guy.”
Jake Arrieta, who didn’t pitch particularly well, also hit a home run in a wild night of offense, his second of the year.
Dodgers 5, Pirates 4
Rays 13, Red Sox 7
Nationals 11, Mets 4
Indians 8, Braves 3
Royals 6, Cardinals 2
Rockies 9, Blue Jays 5
Athletics 8, Giants 3
Phillies 8, Diamondbacks 0
Astros 4, Angels 2
Rangers 9, Yankees 6
