Levine: Bryant's Big Day Helps Cubs Overcome Arrieta's Control Issues

By Bruce Levine--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Normally if the Cubs score nine rubs in a game with right-hander Jake Arrieta on the hill, you would assume smooth sailing ahead. That wasn't the case Thursday afternoon.

It's true that Arrieta allowed only three hits in 5 2/3 innings and did win his 15th game of the season in Chicago's 9-6 victory against Milwaukee at Wrigley Field, but the rest of the day wasn't true to form for Arrieta. It was anything but easy, as Arrieta walked a carer-high seven, surrendered five runs, all earned and allowed two homers.

It was the second straight start that Arrieta didn't make it out of the sixth inning.

"You see something new every day in this game," Arrieta said. "It wasn't ideal with all of the walks. That three-run homer to (Kirk) Nieuwenhuis, two walks in front of him with two outs, I put myself in a tough situation. The first three innings were really good. After that, it kind of got away from me there. The big day by the offense was really the story of the day."

The outing was marked by Arrieta working with a new catcher behind the plate. On Tuesday, Arrieta was informed by pitching coach Chris Bosio that his regular batterymate, Miguel Montero, would be replaced by rookie Willson Contreras in this start.

The move was made by manager Joe Maddon with an eye on the postseason roster in mind. Arrieta refused to blame the change in catchers for his control issues.

"No," Arrieta said. "Willson and I are pretty comfortable working together, despite the fact we had not worked together in an actual game. He knows what I like to do. I know his catching style from behind the plate. That really was not an issue."

The Cubs offense bailed out Arrieta, with third baseman Kris Bryant being the driving force. He went 5-for-5 with two homers, a double, five RBIs and four runs. The homers were the 29th and 30th of the season for the 24-year-old Bryant, who joined Ron Santo, Ernie Banks, Sammy Sosa and teammate Anthony Rizzo in Cubs franchise history to hit 30 homers in a single season before age 25.

Bryant is now tied with Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado for the NL home run lead.

"It was one of those days that went by to quick," Bryant said. "You really have to enjoy a 5-for-5 day. They don't happen too often. It just felt like a great game overall, a fun day to hit. That was for sure. When the wind does blow out here, you like to take advantage of it."

Bryant had 12 total bases and is second in the NL in that department with 255 for the season. His four runs brought his season total to 96, most in the NL.

The Cubs completed their first four-game sweep of the Brewers at Wrigley Field since the Milwaukee franchise moved to the National League in 1998. The Cubs (77-43) also finished their homestand with an 8-2 record and reached 34 games over .500 for the first time since 2008.

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.