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 Arrieta struck out 10 and allowed just three hits over seven
scoreless innings for his seventh victory in his past eight
decisions as the Cubs defeated the Braves 4-1 on Sunday at Turner
Field.
"Just really outstanding again," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said of
Arrieta. "We've talked about him being among the top pitchers in the
National League and he proved it again today."
Arrieta, who pitched a two-hit complete game against the rival
Chicago White Sox in his last start before the All-Star break,
walked three and threw 112 pitches while going at least seven
innings for the 10th time in 19 starts.
"This is definitely the way we thought he could be," Maddon said.
"He's just figuring everything out right now. ... I hate to tell
you, but there's actually some more in the tank there. There is
still another level of him. As he gets more self awareness and is
really able to deal with all these weapons he has, he's going to get
even better."
"Nobody's every completely locked in," Arrieta said. "It's up to you
to understand the adjustments necessary and then have the ability to
make them. That's what I have been able to do consistently over a
pretty good stretch of the season."
While Arrieta was going to 11-5 and lowering his ERA to 2.52, Miller
fell to 5-6 with a fifth straight loss despite having a 2.33 ERA.
Right fielder Jorge Solar's third-inning homer was the only earned
run of the three charged to Miller. He gave up four hits over six
innings while striking out eight and walking four.
Miller hasn't got a victory since losing a no-hit bid with two outs
in the ninth inning at Miami on May 17. He finished with a two-hit
shutout in that game.
"Jake's a tough guy to get some hits off of and it stinks that we
lost the series," Miller said.
The Cubs (49-41) took advantage of a throwing error by Braves second
baseman Jace Peterson to score two unearned runs in the second.
Miller walked two batters and Cubs second baseman Jonathan Herrera,
who hadn't played in the first two games of the series, delivered a
two-run single with two outs.
"Kind of got ourselves into a little bit of a jam there and I made a
bad pitch and ended up giving up two runs," Miller said. "Other than
that, and other than the homer, it felt good."
Soler made it 3-0 with his fifth homer of the season with two out in
the third. Miller left a 1-1 fastball in the middle of the strike
zone and Soler deposited the ball over the center-field fence.
The Cubs added a run in the ninth inning on a two-out RBI double by
left fielder Chris Coghlan after an infield single by first baseman
Anthony Rizzo.
Atlanta avoided being shut out for the second straight game when
shortstop Andrelton Simmons delivered a two-out RBI double of his
own off Jason Motte in the bottom of the inning.
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The Braves, who were at .500 before dropping their last five games
before the All-Star break, fell to 43-49 with a seventh loss in
eight games.
The first hit by the Braves was a two-out double in the fourth
inning by catcher A.J. Pierzynski, who had broken up a no-hit bid by
Jon Lester with a single leading off the eighth inning Saturday
night.
Pierzynski came in 6-for-8 with two homers against Arrieta, but he
had struck out to end the first inning with two runners in scoring
position after a pair of walks and stolen bases.
That proved to be the most serious scoring opportunity for the
Braves against Arrieta until the seventh inning, when left fielder
Eury Perez doubled with two outs and Simmons walked. Pinch-hitter
Joey Terdoslavich struck out to end the threat.
NOTES: The Cubs will promote RHP Rafael Soriano from Triple-A Iowa
on Monday to bolster their bullpen with another veteran and
designate RHP Edwin Jackson for assignment. Soriano, signed as a
free agent in June, wasn't scored on in seven minor league outings.
... Braves 1B Freddie Freeman, out since June 17 with a right wrist
contusion, took grounders and swung a bat for the first time on
Sunday. He may begin a minor league rehab assignment in a few days
if all goes well, but there is no timetable for his potential
return. ... Cubs rookie C Kyle Schwarber, who had three hits Friday,
didn't start for the second straight game, but may catch three of
the upcoming four games in Cincinnati. ... The Cubs-Reds series
begins Monday, with a makeup doubleheader on Wednesday. ... The
Braves host the Los Angeles Dodgers for a three-game series
beginning Monday. ... Broadcaster Don Sutton, who began his Hall of
Fame pitching career with the Dodgers, will be inducted into the
Braves Hall of Fame on Monday. ... The Braves visit Chicago for a
four-game series on Aug. 20-23.
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