Jake Arrieta threw his 10th consecutive quality start in Thursday’s 3-1 win over the Rockies, to guide the Chicago Cubs to their first series win at Wrigley Field since June 6-8 over the Miami Marlins.
Arrieta allowed one earned run on three hits with two walks and seven strikeouts over seven innings. He took a perfect game into the fifth before outfielder Junior Lake could not hang on to a blooper by Wilin Rosario. Lake caught the ball, but it fell from his glove when he landed on the ground, and Rosario was credited with a hit.
The Cubs loaded the bases with no outs in the sixth for their three runs. Arismendy Alcantara and Chris Coghlan led off with singles, then Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro drew back-to-back walks for the Cubs’ first run. Justin Ruggiano hit a sacrifice fly to center field and Luis Valbuena scored Rizzo on a groundout.
Rockies starter Pedro Hernandez allowed six hits and two walks before giving up three runs in the sixth.
Nolan Arenado lined a double to left to score Corey Dickerson from first for the Rockies’ lone run. Arrieta walked two batters, then former Cub D.J. LeMaheiu grounded out for Arrieta to escape from a bases loaded jam.
The Cubs open a three-game series against the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers, then resume play with the Rockies at Coors Field in Denver Tuesday night.
For more Chicago Cubs conversation and updates follow us on Twitter @CubbiesCrib and Like our Facebook page at Cubbies Crib.