In-Game Report: Cubs Holding a 2-Run Lead, Arrieta Keeping A’s in Check

The Chicago Cubs are looking good so far in this one. Here’s a quick in-game update.

The Cubs had two runners on with no outs in the top of the second inning but couldn’t convert. Jason Heyward grounded out and advanced Addison Russell and Ben Zobrist to second and third with Jorge Soler coming to bat. Soler hit a ground ball that Zobrist tried to score on. He was thrown out at home plate. Miguel Montero flied out and ended the Cubs’ threat.

The Cubs would come out in the top of the third inning and, again, got back-to-back singles to start off the inning. After Kris Bryant struck out, Anthony Rizzo advanced Dexter Fowler and Willson Contreras to second and third with Ben Zobrist coming up. Zobrist poked a soft single up the middle of the infield scoring two runs.

Jake Arrieta has allowed only two runners to get into scoring position. The first was off a double in the bottom of the second inning. The second came when Marcus Seiman singled with one out in the bottom of the fifth inning. Jake’s had some command issues but has managed to work his way through it without any damage, walking one and hitting another batter.

Through five innings Jake has thrown only 74 pitches. The Cubs lead 2-0.