March 30--The Cubs relied on five home runs Tuesday to support the pitching of Jake Arrieta as they rolled to a 9-5 victory over the Athletics and ace Sonny Gray at Sloan Park. After allowing an RBI double to Billy Butler in the first inning, Arrieta retired the next eight batters.
At the plate: Matt Szczur seemed invigorated after learning he had made the opening day roster. Szczur, one of the fastest Cubs players, doubled in the second, laid down a bunt single in the fourth and ripped a two-run homer in the sixth.
On the mound: Travis Wood allowed four hits in two innings, including home runs to Chris Coghlan and Josh Phegley to start the sixth and seventh. Closer Hector Rondon was tagged for two runs on three hits in the ninth.
In the field: Catcher Miguel Montero fought the sun and wind to catch a Marcus Semien foul popup in the third.
Key number: 63 -- Game time temperature.
The quote: "We have high expectations for ourselves within the team. We know everyone expects big things from us. We do as well. We don't harp too much on that." -- Arrieta
Up next: Vs. Rockies 3:05 p.m. Wednesday at Sloan Park. LH Jon Lester vs. RH David Hale.
