Watch CBS News

Bryant's Grand Slam, 2 Homers Lead Cubs Over Marlins 7-2

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

CHICAGO (AP) – Kris Bryant hit two early home runs, including a grand slam, to lead the Chicago Cubs over the Miami Marlins 7-2 Saturday night.

The multihomer game was the second for Bryant, who hit a two-run drive in the first inning and chased Marlins starter Jarred Cosart (1-4) with a grand slam in the second that made it 7-0.

Clayton Richard (1-0) sailed into the seventh inning in his first major league outing since 2013, pitching the Cubs to their fourth victory in five games. Acquired from Pittsburgh in a trade Friday, he gave up two runs and eight hits with one walk in 6 1-3 innings.

Bryant's grand slam barely cleared the wall - but his first homer nearly left the park, landing in the top row of the left-field bleachers. He became the first Cubs player to hit two grand slams in his rookie season since Hall of Famer Billy Williams in 1961.

There was a scary moment in the seventh when a hard foul ball by Addison Russell hit Cubs third base coach Gary Jones in the upper body. Jones stayed down in foul territory and did not appear to move for a few minutes, but eventually got up and remained in the game.

Cosart, who gave up seven runs on four hits and three walks in just 1 2-3 innings, was making his first start after a month off to recover from vertigo.

Once he left in the second, however, the Cubs were shut down. Three relievers combined to hold Chicago hitless after Cosart exited.

Richard, who had been pitching for Triple-A Indianapolis in the Pirates' organization, rarely got into trouble.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Marlins: 1B Michael Morse (back) was expected to play at least one more rehab game at Class A Jupiter, but is expected back with the Marlins for their upcoming series against the Red Sox, manager Dan Jennings said. "He could play (Saturday), perhaps one more day, and be prepared to meet us in Boston," Jennings said. "He played (Friday) and his back was fine."

Cubs: Manager Joe Maddon said OF Jorge Soler (left ankle) could be back "very, very soon" from a rehab assignment at Triple-A Iowa. ... The Cubs placed C David Ross on the seven-day concussion disabled list. The move is retroactive to Thursday. ... INF Tommy La Stella was transferred to the 60-day disabled list from the 15-day DL.

UP NEXT

Chicago's Kyle Hendricks (3-4, 4.15 ERA) and Miami's Mat Latos (3-5, 5.27) each look to win their second straight start as the Cubs and Marlins wrap up their weekend series Sunday. Hendricks pitched three-hit ball over six innings in a 1-0 win over the New York Mets on Tuesday. Latos is coming off a win over San Francisco.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.