That’s because he got the Cubs a victory in Game 4 of the 2017 NLCS against the Dodgers in front of a full house at Wrigley Field.
That wasn’t possible on Saturday since COVID-19 restrictions in Chicago only allow 25 percent capacity for outdoor sporting events.
It’s considerably less that Arrieta’s used to having at the “Friendly Confines” as he took the mound against the Pirates, doing so for the first time since his return to the Cubs.
Couple that with strong run support that included a third inning homer from Kris Bryant and a sixth-inning longball from Jason Heyward, the Cubs beat Pittsburgh 5-1 for their first win of the year.
He was able to work deep into the game, exiting with 84 pitches after the sixth inning, and solidified his place as one of the top starters on the Cubs’ staff.
Kevin Newman’s RBI single with two outs was the only blip on the performance from Arrieta, who looked close to his old self after three injury-riddled seasons in Philadelphia.
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- Cubs, Jake Arrieta Turn Back the Clock to 2016 World Series VibesNBC Chicago
- Hayes exits Bucs' loss with wrist discomfortMLB.com
