The summary
Much of the pre-game attention surrounded the major-league debut of Mets top prospect Noah Syndergaard, but Cubs veteran Jake Arrieta out-pitched him for a 6-1 victory Tuesday night at Wrigley Field, giving up one run on three hits with 10 strikeouts in eight innings.
At the plate
Syndergaard limited the Cubs to three hits through the first five innings, but the Cubs doubled that total in their first three at-bats of the sixth. Kris Bryant clubbed his third home run in four games in the eighth.
On the mound
Arrieta relied on an effective blend of a sharp breaking pitch and 94 mph fastball. Of more importance, he pitched more efficiently in the middle innings.
In the field
Left fielder Chris Coghlan made an accurate throw to nail Curtis Granderson easily trying to advance from first to third on Murphy’s single in the fourth, and Arrieta helped his cause by starting a double play to end the fourth.
Key number
116 — Pitches thrown by Arrieta.
The quote
“It’s cool to hit one out there. I’ve never played in a stadium where there’s actually people in the outfield. I’m still getting used to that.” — Bryant
The quote II
“They’re still trying to get the book on (Bryant), how to get him out, where he’s hot, where he’s cold. And I keep telling him to take his walks.” — Anthony Rizzo.
Up next
Vs. Mets, 7:05 p.m. Wednesday. WGN-9.
