The Rundown: Jake Arrieta Throws First Cubs No-Hitter Since 2008, Neil Ramirez Begins Rehab in Double-A, Baez Picks Up 4 Hits
In a season of so many amazing moments, we can now add another one to the mix — probably right at the top.
Jake Arrieta throttled the Dodgers last night, tossing his first career no-hitter and striking out 12 — including striking out the side to end the game. It was the Cubs’ first no-hitter since Carlos Zambrano in 2008.
When the Phillies’ Cole Hamels pitched a no-no against the Cubs earlier this summer, it was the first no-hitter I’ve seen (I missed Zambrano’s). Watching Arrieta’s was a lot more fun.
Arrieta’s ridiculous month continues. He has given up a total of two earned runs in 42.1 innings in August. That includes three straight scoreless starts.
Arrieta came close to a no-hitter multiple times last year, and at one point it felt like he had no-hit stuff every time out. Looks like he’s getting back to that groove. Hopefully he can keep it going into the playoffs.
It was obviously great to see Arrieta complete the no-hitter, but more importantly the Cubs got the win. With the Giants losing to the Cardinals yesterday, the Cubs hold a 5.5-game lead on San Francisco for the second wild card spot. The Pirates also lost, and they have a 5-game lead on the top wild card.
Not bad after a 2-4 road trip. Feels like it could be a lot worse. The Cubs now begin a home series against an awful Reds team. Time to get down to business.
Weird offensive night
The Cubs won 2-0 last night, but had 13 hits and two walks. It was a frustrating night at the plate.
They went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position and left 12 runners on base. Starlin Castro and Addison Russell hit into two big double-plays.
Thankfully Jake Arrieta was unhittable.
Other notes
* Neil Ramirez has joined Double-A Tennessee for a rehab assignment. He pitched a scoreless inning last night. It has been a rough year for Ramirez, with multiple trips to the disabled list. The most recent trip was due to an abdominal injury. I’ve been saying it all year, but if Ramirez can return healthy, he can be a major weapon for the Cubs out of the bullpen. But he really hasn’t looked right all season, even when he wasn’t missing time on the DL.
* Javier Baez is tuning up for his anticipated call-up on Tuesday. Last night, Javy went 4-for-5 with two doubles, two runs scored and two RBIs for Iowa.
* The Cubs did a onesie pajamas theme for the plane ride back to Chicago. There are a bunch of pictures floating around out there, but here’s a team photo:
https://twitter.com/CarrieMuskat/status/638201806326120448