Chicago Cubs beat the Athletics 4-0 behind Arrieta’s strong outing

The Chicago Cubs shutout the Oakland Athletics behind a strong eight inning performance from Jake Arrieta. Ben Zobrist knocked in two in the third innings with an RBI double.

The Chicago Cubs (68-41) got a stellar start from Jake Arrieta as they allowed just four hits in a 4-0 win over the Oakland Athletics (48-62). Ben Zobrist had a two-run single in the third to put the Cubs up 2-0, which was more than enough behind a dominant Arrieta.

After Arrieta (13-5, 2.59) went winless in the month of July, this was a good sign for the Cubs as he was in control all game. He struck out four and walked just one, and this time, it didn’t come back to hurt him. Travis Wood came in to finish up the ninth as the two combined for a four-hit shutout.

For the A’s, Sonny Gray (5-11, 5.74) had an encouraging performance as he allowed just two runs in five innings, but the offense could provide little support on his behalf. Gray left the game with right extensor muscle soreness, but overall, aside from the injury pitched well.

Addison Russell added on a run in the top of the sixth with a swinging bunt that the A’s hoped would roll foul but did not, scoring Anthony Rizzo. Jorge Soler added a RBI double later in the inning, giving him four RBIs so far in the series since returning from the DL. 

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The Cubs will look for the sweep tomorrow with red-hot Kyle Hendricks (10-7, 2.22) on the mound to take on Sean Manaea (3-6, 4.68) of the A’s. The Cubs have now won six straight and lead the second-place St. Louis Cardinal by 10 games.