Jake Arrieta First Pitcher to 20 Wins

Jake Arrieta became the first pitcher to win 20 games this season by three-hitting the Milwaukee Brewers Tuesday night.

Arrieta struckout 11 and walked just one in the complete game shutout. Rookie third baseman Kris Bryant drove in three, including two on a home run to fuel Chicago’s offense in the 4-0 victory.

Despite complaints by manager Joe Maddon that AC/DC tore up the field during a concert last week, the Cubs committed no errors. The team boasts a 4-1 record since returning to Wrigley after Angus Young and company departed it.

The pitching performance lowered the righty’s ERA to 1.88. Arrieta’s last loss came on July 25. During that two-month winning streak Arrieta no-hit the Los Angeles Dodgers and started four shutouts.

The Cubs boast the third best record in the National League. Unfortunately, they also boast the third best record in the National League Central. They look like a lock for a wild card spot 9.5 up on the Giants, with 11 games left for Chicago and 12 for San Francisco.

Arrieta remains in a battle with 18-3 Zack Greinke, who enjoys a better ERA (1.65) but fewer strikeouts than his competition in Chicago, for the NL Cy Young Award. A Cub last won the honor 23 years ago, when Greg Maddux led the league with 20 wins.