Chicago Cubs: Celebrating the historic achievements of Jake Arrieta

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Oct 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta speaks to the media before game one of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Stepping up on the biggest stage

In 11 1/3 innings in the Fall Classic, Jake Arrieta limited the Indians’ offense to just three earned runs. Chicago won both of his starts, Games 2 and 6, as the right-hander dominated, striking out 15 batters in the process.

In Game 2, he carried a no-hitter into the late innings – as he flirted with history once again. After throwing two no-hitters in the last two years, the possibility of a third – on baseball’s biggest stage loomed large in everybody’s mind.

He never got into Game 7, but was ready and waiting, despite throwing 102 pitches the night prior.

His willingness to step up and take on any role, especially in the World Series, epitomizes what Arrieta brings to the Cubs’ rotation. Should he depart via free agency, he’ll leave a glaring hole in the Chicago staff.

But as he embraced his teammate, champagne and beer soaking his beard last November, one thing was for sure: Jake Arrieta was a world champion – a well-deserved world champion.

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