Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta did not get off to a good start Saturday night. He allowed a two run homer to Gregory Polanco in the first inning. A win in tonights game would have allowed the Cubs to pick up ground on the National League Central Milwaukee Brewers who lost earlier in the day. Arrieta has been pitching with a cut on his pitching thumb, threw two wild pitches, hit a batter and mishandled a ball hit to him which resulted in an error that eventually set up Polancos Home Run. Arrieta was eventually pulled in the fifth inning.
Chicago Cubs pitching coach Chris Bosio had this to say before Jakes outing.
“All I know is that Jake Arrieta was there when we needed him the most, when it meant the most,” pitching coach Chris Bosio said. “There were a lot of questions about Jake going down the stretch, remember, through August and September (last year). Welcome to being a major-league player. It’s not going to be perfect.”
“Looking back, here’s a guy who’s had thumb issues going all the way back to spring training this year,” Bosio said. “When you can’t feel the ball, when you can’t command the ball because of a blister or a cut, you’re not on a regular program. I’m not one to cast blame. I’m more one to try to find out why.
“It’s been one of those seasons,” Bosio said, “where with injury guys can’t get in rhythm, whether they’re hitting, they’re pitching or they’re fielding. If I was going to assess our team – and assess our rotation, because it all goes hand in hand – that’s what I would point to. Luckily for us, this division right now is still up in the air. Nobody has jumped out.
The Chicago Cubs offense was shut down by Ivan Nova who pitched 7 innings gave up 6 hits and 3 earned runs. Jake Arrieta helped his cause by belting a 2 Run home run. Addison Russell also chipped in with a solo home run to bring the Cubs within a run. Unlike last night the Pirates bullpen was able to hold the lead and did not allow another run as the Cubs lost 4-3. The boys in festive baby blue for fathers day will try to win a road series for the first time in 6 weeks Sunday at 7:15 p.m. The defending World Champs will start embattled pitcher John Lackey (4-7,5.26 era) vs. the Pirates Jameson Taillon (3-1, 2.90 era)
Jake Arrieta Smashes Fifth-Career Homer https://t.co/n5RfD8mMTG
— IamCubsessed (@IamCubsessed) June 18, 2017
