Arrieta Wins 20th Game To Lead Cubs Past Brewers
CHICAGO (AP) — Jake Arrieta threw a three-hitter to become the first pitcher in the major leagues to reach 20 wins, Kris Bryant set the Cubs rookie record for home runs and Chicago inched closer to a playoff berth with a 4-0 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night.
Looking loose after manager Joe Maddon entertained the team with a petting zoo in the outfield at Wrigley Field before the game, Arrieta (20-6) struck out 11 for Chicago, whose magic number for making its first postseason in seven years dropped to three.
The right-hander retired 14 in a row at one point in becoming the first Cubs pitcher to win 20 games since Jon Lieber in 2001.
Bryant, whose April 17 debut was one of the most anticipated in years, hit a two-run homer in the third off Tyler Cravy (0-8) to give Chicago a 2-0 lead. It was Bryant's 26th longball, besting Billy Williams' mark in 1961. Bryant added a run-scoring double in the eighth.
Kyle Schwarber was credited with an RBI double in the fifth when shortstop Jean Segura couldn't catch his high popup to short right field, allowing Dexter Fowler to score.
But Tuesday belonged to Arrieta, who added another accomplishment to a fine season that included a no-hitter Aug. 30 at the Los Angeles Dodgers.
By beating Milwaukee, he became the first Chicago pitcher since Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins in 1971 to win at least 20 games and strike out at least 200 in a season. He also lowered his ERA to 1.88, giving him a chance to become the Cubs' first qualifying starter with a sub-2.00 ERA since Grover Cleveland Alexander had a 1.91 mark in 1920.
Cravy went four innings and allowed two runs and three hits for the Brewers, who lost their 10th in 11.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Brewers: OF Ryan Braun (back) took batting practice but remained out of the lineup. Manager Craig Counsell didn't rule out Braun playing again this season. ... C Jonathan Lucroy (concussion) is getting closer and could see time at first base, but he will not catch for the remainder of the season. ... RHP Jimmy Nelson (head contusion) was placed on the 60-day disabled list, and RHP Michael Blazek (broken right hand) was transferred to the 60-day DL.
Cubs: INF Addison Russell didn't start but Maddon said it was to rest him. He entered as a defensive replacement in the seventh.
UP NEXT
Chicago RHP Kyle Hendricks (7-6, 4.22) faces Milwaukee RHP Zach Davies (1-2, 6.00). Hendricks has gone 3-0 with a 1.07 ERA in four starts against the Brewers.
(© 2015 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.)