Chicago Cubs News: Team drops finale to Cardinals; breaking down Jake Arrieta

Jake Arrieta allowed a pair of two-run shots and the Chicago Cubs offense tallied a mere four hits in a series finale loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.

When the weekend began, the Chicago Cubs had a shot at overtaking the rival St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Central.

Instead, the reigning World Series champions return to Wrigley Field Monday in fourth place, 2 1/2 games out of first. The team’s offense, which has been up-and-down all season, went ice-cold and was unable to bail out Jake Arrieta on Sunday afternoon.

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The right-hander was far from sharp, despite what Joe Maddon told media after the game. He left several pitches over the heart of the plate and looked flat for most of his six innings. Still, he gutted his way through six innings, providing at least some value to the team, despite allowing a pair of early two-run shots.

We broke down his season to-date prior to the game. In short, it comes down to execution. In the past, Arrieta set himself up well for success. This year, it has been just the opposite in almost every start.

Outside of the Cubs-Cardinals game, the New York Yankees retired Derek Jeter‘s #2 in the Bronx. ‘Mr. November’ spent his entire career in pinstripes, bringing multiple World Series to the Big Apple.

Here’s more from around the league:

‘An ode to Derek Sanderson Jeter’ – Yanks Go Yard

‘Arrieta struggles, bats go ice-cold in loss to Cards’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Chapman placed on DL with shoulder strain’ – Yanks Go Yard

‘Maddon not a fan of baseball’s rules on slides’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Possible midseason moves for the Cardinals’ – Redbird Rants

What’s Next:

Chicago opens a 10-game homestand Tuesday. John Lackey (3-3, 4.29) takes the ball against Bronson Arroyo (3-2, 5.94) in the opener of a three-game set against the Cincinnati Reds.