The Cubs had to put up a better effort Saturday after a disappointing loss to the Pirates on Opening Day and, sure enough, they did. The return of Jake Arrieta and some timely power combined to earn their first win of 2021.
Pittsburgh jumped out to a 1-0 lead on a 1st inning single from Kevin Newman, then a Jake Marisnick bloop hit and a David Bote sacrifice fly put the Cubs ahead 2-1 in the 2nd. Arrieta settled in nicely from there, going six strong frames.
Kris Bryant hit a solo homer in the 3rd inning and Jason Heyward had his own bomb in the 6th to pad the lead.