Cubs' Jake Arrieta, Kris Bryant Named MLB August Award Winners

The Cubs were 19-9 in August and that was due in large part to significant contributions from two players, Jake Arrieta and Kris Bryant.

Thursday, Arrieta was named National League Pitcher of the Month and Bryant was named National League Rookie of the Month.

In August, Arrieta was 6-0 with an ERA of 0.43, allowing just four runs (two earned) in 42⅓ innings. He posted a WHIP of 0.685, giving up only 19 hits and 10 walks, and he struck out 43. And, of course, he threw his first career no-hitter against the Dodgers last Sunday. (I love that. "First" career no-hitter, as if we're certain he'll throw another one.)

Bryant hit .330/.422/.620 in August, a 1.042 OPS, by going 33-for-100. He scored 19 runs and hit six doubles, a triple and seven home runs with 20 RBI. That includes the walkoff you see at the top of this post.

Congratulations to Jake and Kris for their outstanding performances in August; let's hope these continue through September and that helps lead the Cubs to the postseason and many wins there this year.