Community Picks: Chicago Cubs 0% vs San Francisco Giants 0%

Arietta won his 19th consecutive decision Friday night, limiting the Giants to four hits and one walk while striking out eight in seven innings as the Chicago Cubs won 8-1 to snap San Francisco's eight-game winning streak. Jake Peavy (1-5) allowed five runs on seven hits and two walks over 1 2/3 innings. ''(Peavy) was just missing his spots tonight, his pitch count I'm sure caught up with him,'' Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. Continue to Article

May 21, 2016 3:25:am EST

Chicago Cubs' fans, players and coaches alike were left holding their breath on Friday night after right fielder Jason Heyward was forced to leave the game after he crashed into the right-field wall at San Francisco's AT&T Park.  Heyward had just completed a remarkable diving catch in what's known as Triple's Alley, surely taking away at least three bases from Giants' leadoff hitter Denard Span. However, his momentum carried him directly into the wall, forcing his upper body to bend awkwardly.  [Elsewhere: Own Bryce Harper's jersey from dugout fight with Jonathan Papelbon ] The outfield wall is mostly padded in San Francisco, though there's a slight opening at the bottom where Heyward hit. That didn't help matters, but given the angle and the force there was nothing Heyward could do to prevent his body from being jarred by the impact.  Heyward remained on the ground for several minutes as his Cubs teammates surrounded him and the team's athletic trainer tended to him. He was able to walk off under his own power, which was a good sign. After the Cubs completed their 8-1 win against the Giants, Heyward was available to speak to the media. He revealed x-rays were negative and that he'll undergo an MRI on Saturday.  Heyward, asked how he felt: "Uncomfortable, in pain but relieved nothing is broken. MRI tomorrow." — Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) May 21, 2016 Aside from having dynamic offensive potential, a big reason the Cubs brought Heyward on board was his defense. He showed why with this catch, as he nearly defied physics with his jump and his ability to outrun the baseball.  Per StatCast, Denard Span's drive in first inning traveled 385 feet and was hit with 103 mph exit velocity. Heyward ran it down. Stunning. — Phil Rogers (@philgrogers) May 21, 2016 The ball may have actually traveled farther than that based on where Heyward caught it. The ball entered his glove just in front of the 421-foot sign, though it's anybody's guess which estimate in more accurate. Continue to Article

May 21, 2016 2:45:am EST

May 21 (Infostrada Sports) - Standings from the MLB on Friday AMERICAN LEAGUEEASTERN DIVISION W L PCT GB 1. Baltimore 25 15 .625 - 2. Boston 25 17 .595 1 3. Tampa Bay 20 19 .513 4 1/2 4. Toronto 21 23 .477 6 5. NY Yankees 19 22 .463 6 1/2 CENTRAL DIVISION W L PCT GB 1. Chicago White Sox 25 17 .595 - 2. Cleveland 22 17 .564 1 1/2 3. Kansas City 21 20 .512 3 1/2 4. Detroit 19 22 .463 5 1/2 5. Minnesota 10 31 .244 14 1/2 WESTERN DIVISION W L PCT GB 1. Seattle 24 17 .585 - 2. Texas 23 19 .548 1 1/2 3. LA Angels 19 23 .452 5 1/2 4. Oakland 19 24 .442 6 5. Houston 17 26 . ... Continue to Article

May 21, 2016 2:30:am EST

Cesar Vargas' last two starts might run the gamut of his worst major league start and his best, yet he's still after his first victory. Back home might be the best place for that to happen as Vargas and the San Diego Padres take on the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday night. It followed his worst start as Vargas gave up six runs and 10 hits in four innings of an 8-7 loss at the Chicago Cubs. Continue to Article

May 21, 2016 2:28:am EST