Bryant powers up with slam in 2-homer night

CINCINNATI -- Rain washed out Thursday's batting practice for the Cubs, who proceeded to pound 18 hits in a 16-0 win over the Reds. Don't expect them to hit prior to Friday's game.
Kris Bryant recorded his fourth career two-homer game and matched a career high with six RBIs, hitting a two-run homer in the first and a grand slam in the seventh. Jake Arrieta did the rest, throwing his second career no-hitter.
"It's fun to score a lot of runs, and with Jake pitching, throwing a no-hitter, that's what brings us to baseball and why it's so fun," Bryant said.

According to Statcast™, the exit velocity on Bryant's first homer registered at 111 mph, second on the team to Anthony Rizzo's 111.3 mph, which he logged on Wednesday with a solo shot against the Cardinals. Rizzo also homered on Thursday, along with Ben Zobrist and David Ross. The Cubs posted season highs in runs (16), hits (18), homers (five) and RBIs (15).

The grand slam was the third of Bryant's career after he hit a pair last year in his rookie season. The last time he totaled six RBIs was on July 4, 2015, against the Marlins.
So, is batting practice overrated?
"I've always thought BP was overrated," Bryant said. "Thinking back to last year, my last two months were my best months, and I didn't take BP on the field one time. I think BP is overrated sometimes."