Each night in the 2016 baseball season, we'll run down the top news, facts and highlights from action around Major League Baseball.
Cubs ace Jake Arrieta tossed seven scoreless innings Tuesday in Chicago's 7-1 victory at Pittsburgh, his 15th consecutive road win.
FAGAN: Stephen A.'s PED take on Arrieta was monumentally dumb
Arrieta joined Johan Santana (15 straight) and Greg Maddux (16 straight) as the only pitchers to accomplish that feat in the past 20 seasons. Arrieta has also completed 15 scoreless starts over the past two seasons, which leads the major leagues during that time.
The reigning National League Cy Young winner is 6-0 this year with a 0.84 ERA.
Kris Bryant led Chicago's offense Tuesday with three hits and an RBI. After a slow start, the reigning NL Rookie of the Year has quickly raised his batting average to .305.
MORE: Who is MLB's best third baseman?
The Cubs are now five games ahead of the Pirates in the NL Central and 1 1/2 games ahead of the Nationals in the entire NL.
Player of the Day
Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar went 4 for 5 with two runs scored, an RBI and a stolen base to help Kansas City earn a come-from-behind 7-6 win over the Nationals. Escobar also had a part in the Royals' three-run ninth-inning rally against Nats closer Jonathan Papelbon. His two-out single kept the inning going after KC had tied the game.
Highlight
Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor is a human vacuum. He also went 3 for 4 with a home run, three runs scored and three RBIs.
.@Lindor12BC's all smiles and sick defense: https://t.co/CIwY1vFKus pic.twitter.com/ilDy4h2rAQ
— MLB (@MLB) May 3, 2016
Three things to know
— Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander is the envy of many with his recent engagement to Kate Upton, but he was terrible on the mound against the Indians on Tuesday (seven earned runs over five innings). He now owns a 5.61 ERA at Progressive Field, the third-highest ERA by an active pitcher in a single stadium with a minimum of 25 starts.
— After losing 4-1 to the Orioles, the Yankees are 8-16, which is their worst record through 24 games since starting 8-16 in 1991. Also, it looks as though DH Alex Rodriguez could miss significant time with a hamstring injury suffered in the game.
MORE: Cashman puts underperforming Yanks on short leash
— The Phillies earned their sixth shutout of the season, the most of any team in the majors (they had seven all of last season), after beating the Cardinals 1-0. Aaron Nola, Hector Neris and Jeanmar Gomez combined on a three-hitter.
What's next
Cubs (19-6) at Pirates (15-12), 12:35 p.m. ET: Jon Lester (2-1, 1.83) has the tough task of following up Jake Arrieta every time he takes the mound. The veteran left-hander has done well so far. He will take on Juan Nicasio (3-2, 3.33) and the Pirates' dangerous lineup in a Wednesday matinee.
Red Sox (15-11) at White Sox (19-8), 8 p.m. ET: The White Sox are for real. It's still early in the season, but their pitching staff is clicking, the lineup is capable of scoring runs in bunches and the bullpen looks like it has some solid arms. Boston is playing well, too, but expect Carlos Rodon (1-3, 4.33 ERA) to outduel Clay Buchholz (0-3, 6.51 ERA) on Wednesday.