For the second time in four games, Kris Bryant went deep yesterday, at the time tying what felt like it was going to be a low-scoring pitchers duel. (Ha, about that …. )
It was a beautiful opposite field shot into the wind a bit:
.@KrisBryant_23 has scored nine runs in his last four games.
He ranks 4th in the NL with 104 runs scored. pic.twitter.com/CeOvsQh3QW
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 16, 2017
Bonus: did you see Pedro Strop’s hair as the bullpen was dancing?
That homer was Bryant’s 27th of the year, but only his second in September. Despite the lack of dingers, though, Bryant has been incredibly productive, hitting .280/.383/.520 (134 wRC+) for the month.
He’s also been incredibly run-score-y, with 9(!) runs scored in his last four games. No, the RBI totals haven’t been there for him this year, but the guy has certainly helped add to the run total: his 104 runs scored this year are 5th most in baseball.
It doesn’t hurt to have Anthony Rizzo hitting behind you, but there’s also the matter of Bryant simply being a fantastic baserunner. He’s always taking the extra base, he’s virtually impossible to double up, and he has good speed.
Also, fun fact: Kris Bryant’s 6.2 WAR is now third in the NL, barely behind Anthony Rendon (6.4) and Joey Votto (6.3).