Morning Marquee: Jake Arrieta becomes first pitcher to win 15 games in 2015

With the Chicago Cubs extending their N.L. Wild Card lead to four games over the San Francisco Giants, ace right-hander Jake Arrieta became the first pitcher in the entire league to record win number 15 of the 2015 campaign.

Which is pretty impressive for a third-place club that’s being dominated by the St. Louis Cardinals. Not only has Arrieta improved to a 15-6 record on the year, he’s turning more and more into a legit possible N.L. Cy Young award winner with every performance.

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First baseman Anthony Rizzo and shortstop Addison Russell backed up the 29-year-old veteran with long balls to end their clubs three-game skid Thursday evening. Rizzo’s 24th home run of the campaign was a three-run shot down the right field line while Russell clubbed a solo bomb later on – his eighth big league homer.

Arrieta’s 15th victory makes him the first Cub to reach that mark since Ryan Dempster did so back in 2010. Not only did he accomplish something that hasn’t happened in five years, but he’s turned in 12 consecutive quality starts and is two away from tying Greg Maddox who reached 14 as a member of the Cubs in 1992.

There’s no doubt that once the Cubs clinch either Wild Card spots, Joe Maddon has to roll with Arrieta in that one-game playoff against the Pittsburgh Pirates. If you didn’t know, that one chance to reach the postseason is scheduled for Oct. 7 while the American League will take center stage first just the day before.

Still, there are plenty of games left on the schedule that are must wins. This series against the Atlanta Braves and the makeup game are in that group before they begin their West Coast trip to San Francisco and Los Angeles.

The Cubs need both Jason Hammel and Jon Lester to buckle down and get things going as they are expected to pick up at least another start before we head into the final month of the regular season.

So, here’s to another hopeful winning streak for a team who controls their own destiny.

Here’s more from around the league:

‘Cubs’ Jon Lester’s back-and-forth continues‘ – Cubbies Crib

‘Chicago Cubs: Starlin Castro continues to handle himself well‘ – Cubbies Crib

‘Longest tenured Padre Venable traded‘ – Friars On First

‘Tampa Bay Rays Game 121: Chris Archer at his very best‘ – Rays Colored Glasses

‘Colorado Rockies win 3-2 behind Yohan Flande’s arm, bat‘ – Rox Pile

Next: Arrieta cruises in 7-1 win vs Braves

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