Jake Arrieta Solid Outing, Chicago Cubs Snap 5-Game Losing Streak

Sep 19, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher

pitches in the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs concluded their 11-game road trip with a 5-1 victory and snapped their five-game losing streak as Cubs starter Jake Arrieta allowed only three hits in eight innings over the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday afternoon at Miller Park.

Luis Valbuena and Nate Schierholtz each hit home runs off Milwaukee starter Kyle Lohse (10-10, 3.51 ERA).

Valbuena hit a solo home run in the first inning to the upper deck in right field, and Schierholtz his his 21st home run, a two-run shot, into the right field bullpen in the third to put the Cubs ahead 3-0.

Arrieta (4-4, 5.06 ERA) helped out his own cause in the sixth with a sacrifice bunt to score Junior Lake as Milwaukee reliever Burke Badenhop took the out at first to push the Cubs lead to 4-0.

Brian Bogusevic added a pinch-hit solo home run and closer Kevin Gregg recorded his 33rd save of the season after a scoreless ninth.

Arrieta allowed only three hits and had a shutout until the seventh inning when Carlos Gomez hit his 21st home run to deep center field.

Catcher Welington Castillo left the game after grounding out in the sixth due to right knee soreness.

Cubs return to Wrigley tomorrow for a six-game home stand, their final one of the season.

Cubs right-hander Scott Baker (0-0, 0.82 ERA) and Atlanta Braves left-hander Paul Maholm (10-10, 4.35 ERA) are the starters for Friday afternoon’s game at 1:20 p.m. CT (CSN/WGN 720).

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