CHICAGO -- Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado turned 25 and a day on Sunday. That extra day turned into a special occasion -- his second two-homer game in a week -- in a 2-0 victory at Wrigley Field as his team took two of three from the Cubs.
"I don't even like my birthday anymore," Arenado said. "I like the day after my birthday."
Facing reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta turned Saturday into a birthday bummer. But the celebration ramped up Sunday, highlighted by his home run off Jon Lester in the fourth, and his breathing-room shot off Justin Grimm in the ninth.
With the wind blowing in, the first homer barely reached the basket in left. No atmospheric condition could stop the second one.
On Wednesday, Arenado hit two home runs and drove in a career-high seven runs -- one shy of the club record -- in a 10-6 victory over the Giants.
So, this has been a weeklong celebration. From Sunday to Sunday, Arenado went 11-for-31 (.355) with five of his six homers and 13 of his 16 RBIs. With rookie teammate Trevor Story having earned the first week's National League Player of the Week Award, Arenado is putting up a good argument for keeping the honor in Rockies hands. (The official award period runs Monday to Sunday, when he was 9-for-28 -- .333 -- with four homers and 12 RBIs).
Arenado was happier with series victories this week over the Giants and Cubs, who were among the Majors' hottest teams.
"It's huge, big for our confidence," Arenado said. "A weekend series against the Cubs and they threw a lot of their best arms. To be able to compete the way we did was huge."