Chicago Cubs: Winners and losers in team’s 4-2 win over Tigers

In Detroit for the first game of a three-game series, the Chicago Cubs turned to Jake Arrieta, who was making his first start since April 30. Prior to giving up back-to-back solo home runs in the sixth inning, the 35-year-old had faced the minimum. Arrieta was helped out by a couple of double-play balls and gave the team six outstanding innings. It was great to see him come back and make a big impact on the game for the win.

There were winners and losers in Chicago Cubs 4-2 win over Detroit.

Winner: Kris Bryant

Bryant returned to the lineup after being hit on the wrist in Wednesday’s pinch-hit at-bat. He smoked a two-run home run in the top half of the third inning. Per StatCast, the former NL MVP’s long ball registered at a 100.7 MPH exit velocity and went 358 feet. It was good to see Bryant return to the lineup and immediately produce.

Loser: Nico Hoerner

Hoerner made his return to the lineup, his first game since May 2. Unfortunately, the former first-round pick in the 2018 MLB Draft went 0-for-4. With runners at the corners at two outs in the third inning, Hoerner bounced into an inning-ending forceout. In the fourth inning, his bad luck continued with an inning-ending double play.

Winner: Craig Kimbrel

Kimbrel continued his dominance this season, collecting his seventh save. He needed just 12 pitches, throwing 10 for strikes, and struck out the side. With the Tigers making it interesting after the back-to-back home runs, it was great to see the bullpen preserve the 4-2 lead.

Loser: Matt Duffy

The Cubs utility man has been one of the best surprises this season. He’s been a great bat off the bench but he had a rough game, getting the start at third base with the versatile Bryant in centerfield. Duffy went 0-4 on the night with a strikeout. In the second inning, with two runners on and one out, Duffy flew out to centerfield and was part of a group that went 2-for-7 with RISP.