May 26--Jake Arrieta lasted only five innings but the Cubs held on Wednesday for a 9-8 victory over the Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Arrieta allowed four earned runs for the first time in 30 starts dating back to June 16, 2015 against the Indians. But he was supported by a six-run second, and Kris Bryant hit a three-run shot in the sixth.
At the plate
Right fielder Jason Heyward responded to the boos by hitting a two-run double in the second, and Ben Zobrist followed with a two-run single.
On the mound
Closer Hector Rondon, pitching for the first time since May 18 and in his first save situation since May 10, allowed singles to Stephen Piscotty and Matt Adams to start the ninth but struck out Yadier Molina and Randal Grichuk and induced Jedd Gyroko to ground back to the mound to end the game.
In the field
Third baseman Tommy La Stella made a diving stop and fired to second base to force Yadier Molina and help Arrieta get out of a jam to end the fifth.
Key number
2.09: Arrieta's career ERA against the Cardinals
The quote
"Pretty incredible. And (Arrieta) hasn't pitched as well as he can yet." -- Joe Maddon
Up next
Vs. Phillies, 1:20 p.m. Friday at Wrigley Field; CSN.
