April 09--The summary
The lines at the portable bathrooms were short, and fans were entertained by the three-hit pitching of Jake Arrieta during 46-degree weather under foggy conditions. The Cubs caught a break when Lance Lynn, who retired the first 10 batters, hit Anthony Rizzo with a pitch and committed an errant pickoff throw that set up the Cubs' first run in the seventh inning.
At the plate
After striking out twice, Starlin Castro ripped a single to left-center field to score Rizzo.
On the mound
Arrieta needed 22 pitches to get out of the first inning as he struggled to find his control, but he settled down and recorded his first three strikeouts on called strikes and finished with seven overall. He threw 104 pitches over his seven innings.
In the field
Second baseman Arismendy Alcantara was in the right spot to catch a Kolten Wong line drive to end the second. Castro, whose fielding at shortstop is under scrutiny, committed a fielding error in the eighth but leaped to catch a Matt Adams line drive to end the inning.
Key number
0.74 -- Arrieta's lifetime ERA against the Cardinals.
The quote
"His work is spectacular. If you want a good video, this guy should do the next Jane Fonda workout video on the male side of things with his leggings on. This guy's workout is incredible. He deserves everything he gets." -- Cubs manager Joe Maddon an Arrieta.
Up next
At Rockies, 3:10 p.m. Friday at Coors Field. LH Travis Wood vs. LH Tyler Matzek.
