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Cubs open much-anticipated season with 9-0 win over Angels

Chicago Cubs' Dexter Fowler, center, is congratulated by teammates after scoring on a single by Anthony Rizzo during the first inning of an opening day baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Monday, April 4, 2016, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Chicago Cubs' Dexter Fowler, center, is congratulated by teammates after scoring on a single by Anthony Rizzo during the first inning of an opening day baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Monday, April 4, 2016, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

By Associated Press April 5, 2016 1 min read

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) – Jake Arrieta yielded two hits over seven dominant innings, Miguel Montero homered and drove in three runs, and the Chicago Cubs opened a season of high expectations with a 9-0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Monday night.

Anthony Rizzo and Jorge Soler drove in early runs and Villanova product Matt Szczur added a three-run double in the ninth for the Cubs, whose talent-laden roster is coming off a 97-win season and a trip to the NL Championship Series.

Chicago’s anguished fans believe the team really might end its 108-year championship drought this season, and thousands chanted and cheered in Orange County to herald an auspicious start to the quest.

Garrett Richards (0-1) gave up three runs in five innings of six-hit ball in his first opening day start for Los Angeles.