Arrieta’s Two-Hitter Not Good Enough, Cubs Fall Short to Mariners

Jake Arrieta (12-5, 2.75 ERA) was very good today for the Chicago Cubs (62-41), as good as he’s been in a while. He managed to stay out of trouble today for the most part, that was until he walked back-to-back hitters in the top of the eighth inning. That was it for Jake.

After a short, two-out performance by Hector Rondon, Joe Maddon tapped Aroldis Chapman, trying to get the four out save. Chapman immediately gave up a two-run double to Leonys Martin. That gave the Seattle Mariners (52-50) their first lead. One Chapman wild pitch later and the score was 3-1.

The Cubs had no answer for the Mariners pitching today. Starter Wade Miley had a no-hitter into the seventh inning. Kris Bryant got the Cubs’ first hit with Dexter Fowler on first base after he got walked. Fowler ended up scoring on an overturned play at the plate. That was the only run the Cubs could muster up.

Cubs drop a tough one by the score of 4-1 (Box Score).

Stats that matter

  • Jake was solid, except for two poorly timed walks – 7.0IP, 2R, 2H, 3BB, 4Ks
  • Chapman has seen better days and most certainly will soon – .1IP, 1R, 1H, 1K, 1 wild pitch
  • The Cubs had only 3 hits and 2 walks all day but 0-for-6 with RISP

Bottom line

The Cubs were just owned by the Mariners pitching staff today. It’s strange, sometimes the Cubs get totally shut down by middle of the road pitchers and pitching staffs. Today was on of those days.

Wade Miley had a 5.23 ERA and had lost six consecutive games coming into today. He’s not a guy you’d expect to throw a no-hitter through six innings against the best offense in baseball. You wouldn’t expect it, but it happened. Therein lies the fine conundrum that is baseball.

Next up

The Cubs close out the series on Sunday against the Mariners at 7:08 PM CDT. It’ll be a little Sunday Night Baseball treat with our favorite team. A great way to end the weekend! Brain Matusz, who was called up from triple-A Iowa earlier today, will take the mound for the Cubs in the spot start.

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