WATCH: Rizzo discusses 'lucky' home run in postgame interview |
Chicago Cubs first baseman
Anthony Rizzo helped propel the North Siders to a 4-1 victory over the Miami Marlins on Thursday by way of a 2-run blast in the bottom of the fifth. The dinger served as the 201st home run of Rizzo's career and the 200th long ball of his time spent as a Cub. Rizzo is just the ninth player to tally at least 200 home runs in a Cubs uniform.
.@ARizzo44 becomes the 9th player in franchise history to hit 200 home runs with the #Cubs! #TeamRizzo pic.twitter.com/g3cBMdL5Sw Rizzo was forced to go down on one knee while taking a hack at a low curveball, but he was still able to connect on the pitch from Trevor Richards and power out a 422-foot shot beyond center field. Rizzo was asked about the spectacular homer, among other things, during his postgame interview with NBC Sports Chicago reporter Kelly Crull. "It was a good pitch," Rizzo said of the breaking ball that he took deep. "I just put a good swing on it and pretty much got lucky there. I'll take it all day, every day." Rizzo also discussed the solid 5-inning outing by Cubs reliever Mike Montgomery, who only just returned from the injured list. Montgomery pitched five scoreless innings after starter Yu Darvish was pulled prior to the start of the fifth frame, and "Monty" earned the winning decision for his efforts. "It's nice," Rizzo said of Montgomery's return to the bullpen. "Darvish didn't go deep for us, and Mike coming in and saving our bullpen was worth a lot. To save the bullpen today is nice for us, and it's good to have Mike back." Having won 10 of their last 11 contests and eight of their last nine series, the Cubs are streaking right now with the rival Milwaukee Brewers coming to town for a weekend series. After taking three of four from the Marlins, Rizzo spoke highly of his club's recent play. "We're in a good spot," Rizzo said in the on-field interview. "We feel good. We're pretty much healthy. Our pitchers are doing their thing. We're confident. That's for sure." Anthony Rizzo tells @Kelly_Crull ON THE DIAMOND that he took note watching KB to get the best of Trevor Richards on the 3rd try today. (@JandSJewelers) pic.twitter.com/pZZHCxDfoT
