Kris Bryant Cherishes Cubs Rookie Home Run Record
By Chris Emma--
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The even-keeled Kris Bryant couldn't help but to get caught up in the moment on Tuesday night at Wrigley Field.
Bryant had just blasted his 26th home run of the season, breaking the Cubs' rookie record set by Billy Williams -- whose No. 26 is retired by the team -- in 1961. It put the Wrigley crowd into a frenzy.
Upon returning to the dugout, Bryant was called back onto the field for a curtain call.
"That was a special moment for me to get up on the steps and get that recognition," Bryant said after Chicago's 4-0 win over Milwaukee. "It's something I'll never forget."
The third-inning home run from Bryant gave the Cubs a 2-0 lead over the Brewers. He would knock in a third run later on an RBI double in the eighth inning, in support of ace Jake Arrieta.
Of course, Tuesday was all about Arrieta, who earned his 20th win of the 2015 season, becoming the first Cubs pitcher to accomplish such a feat since Jon Lieber in 2001. The team joined Arrieta for an on-field celebration after the game, where Bryant approached Arrieta to congratulate him and offer another line.
"I told him, 'You always have to out-do me,'" Bryant joked.
Bryant entered Tuesday's game as the major league leader for rookies in wins above replacement, holding a 5.8 mark on Fangraphs. His 26th home run surpassed the Dodgers' Joc Pederson for the rookie lead.
The next personal goal for Bryant on this rookie season is to reach 100 RBIs. He currently stands at 98, while teammate and friend Anthony Rizzo carries 95 RBIs. The two have made it a friendly competition to see who gets the milestone first.
"A hundred RBIs is definitely something to be proud of," Bryant said.
The Cub moved their magic number to three with the win over the Brewers, and they can finish the three-game sweep on Wednesday at Wrigley Field.
Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.
