Arrieta Earns 21st Victory With Near Perfect Game

Jake Arrieta was nearly flawless on Sunday as the Chicago Cubs ace carried a perfect game into the seventh inning until Gregory Polanco lined a single to left.

Either way, it yet was another dominant performance by Arrieta. Over his last two starts, the right-hander hasn’t allowed a run through 16 innings. He only tossed 84 pitches until he was removed from the game. The Cubs are more than likely going to face the Pittsburgh Pirates in the NL Wild Card game on Oct. 7 and the 29-yeat-old will be on the mound for that game.

The race for the NL Cy Young award has a few nominees. Arrieta showcased his value when he earned his MLB-leading 21st victory of the season, which lowered his ERA to 1.82, his WHIP to 0.88 while also now owning a 229/48 K/BB ratio over 223 innings. He also helped himself in the offensive category when he drilled a homer off A.J. Burnett.

The final start of the regular season for Arrieta will come on Friday against the Milwuakee Brewers. It’s unlikely that he’ll throw more than 85 pitches in that start.