Jake Arrieta starts are becoming must see television. On Thursday night, the Chicago Cubs ace threw his second career no-hitter. The game was a 16-0 laugher against the Cincinnati Reds, but Arrieta was on his game as is becoming the norm from the opening pitch.
Ever since being no hit by Cole Hamels at Wrigley Field last summer, the Cubs have been a lock when Arrieta is on the mound. With the win Thursday, the Cubs have now won 17 consecutive games in which Arrieta has started which is a franchise record for the Cubs. On top of that, in the World Series era, the last two teams that have won a game at least 13-0 while throwing a no-hitter have reached the World Series.
Going back to his first no-hitter last year against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Arrieta has now thrown two no-hitters in the span of 11 starts. Arrieta himself is now 14-0 in his last 15 starts. He also continues his record-setting pace of consecutive quality starts.
On the night, Arrieta did walk four batters, but also had six strikeouts on 119 pitches thrown. He even contributed two hits, a walk, and a run scored on offense.
For a guy that absolutely dominated the second half of last season on his way to winning his first career CY Young award, Arrieta has not slowed down. It was expected that this year he might actually regress from the torrid pace he has been on. But to start the 2016 season, Arrieta may actually be pitching better. He is now 4-0 on the season with an under 1.00 ERA, and the first no-hitter of the year.
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