Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant hit two home runs on Monday night against Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers during a 4-2 Cubs win.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 23, 2015
This was Bryant’s first career multi-home run game.
The first home run came off Kershaw, and it was a rare one. Before the Bryant home run, the former Cy Young winner hasn’t allowed a home run off his curveball this season — batters are 0-for-25 against Kershaw’s curve.
The Kershaw curve is no match for Mr. Bryant. https://t.co/c4PwPuWVjG
— MLB (@MLB) June 23, 2015
According to ESPN stats and Info, Bryant's HR was the first off a Kershaw curveball this season. Hitters were 0 for last 25 against curve
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) June 23, 2015
Bryant said he came into the game knowing Kershaw’s repertoire because the Cubs third baseman saw the Dodgers pitcher during a Triple-A game last season.
Bryant faced Kershaw in AA last yr in rehab start. Said that helped:“I was hoping I would get a curveball today with the wind blowing out.”
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) June 23, 2015
Bryant said hitting the home run off Kershaw was a surreal feeling because he looked up to the Dodgers pitcher before entering the MLB.
Bryant HR off Kershaw:"For me its kind of surreal.I'm facing guys that I grew up and they were on my fantasy baseball team in high school."
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) June 23, 2015
Bryant’s second home run came off Dodgers reliever Adam Liberatore in the eighth inning.
Curtain call for Bryant after video board shows "first career two-homer game"
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) June 23, 2015
The North Side loves you, @KrisBryant_23. pic.twitter.com/zR4Rrx9UIv
— MLB GIFS (@MLBGIFs) June 23, 2015
The 23-year-old rookie is hitting .282 with 10 home runs and 42 RBI this season.