Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (6/14/21): Mets 5, Cubs 2 – Arrieta Regresses, Bats Wake Too Late as Cubs Drop Opener

Jake Arrieta (5-6, 4.97 ERA) took the mound against David Peterson (1-5, 6.32 ERA) in game one of the series looking to build off his strong start against San Diego on June 9 when he held the Padres to one earned run over five innings.

Arrieta was cruising early until he suddenly lost control of the strike zone. The Mets were able to push three runs across in the 4th and then added another in the 5th, all of which came with two outs. Arrieta was replaced by Tommy Nance in the 6th, finishing the night with five innings pitched and yielding four earned runs on four hits and four walks with three strikeouts.

The Mets increased their lead to 5-0 against Nance, scoring once again with two outs. That was the first earned run he’s allowed on the year.

In the 7th, Anthony Rizzo obliterated an upper-deck solo bomb to avoid the shutout and Patrick Wisdom followed suit to make it back-to-back jacks. Unfortunately, that was as close as the visitors would get, losing by a final of 5-2. (Box Score)

Why the Cubs Lost

Yet another poor outing from Arrieta and minimal offense resulted in tonight’s loss.

Key Moment

All five runs for the Mets came with two outs, meaning if Arrieta and Nance could have execute a few key pitches, tonight’s game could have unfolded very differently.

Stats That Matter

• When Arrieta pitches on the road at night, he’s 3-4 with a 6.96 ERA.
• Wisdom was 1-for-2 with a walk and yet another home run. He’s now slashing .333/.390/.926.
• After tonight, the Cubs are 14-18 away from Wrigley.

Bottom Line

The hope was that a strong performance against the Padres, one of the best teams in the league, would give Arrieta’s confidence a boost. That was not the case as he took a big step backward tonight. The Cubs have a legitimate shot at winning the NL Central, but they must acquire a top-of-the-rotation starter. Arrieta’s performance served to reinforce the team’s most glaring need.

On Deck

Alec Mills (2-0, 6.08 ERA) squares off against Taijuan Walker (5-2, 2.07 ERA) in game two of the series. First pitch is scheduled for 6:10 pm CT on Marquee, ESPN, and 670 The Score.