Being a Chicago Cubs fan is tough on a person. It is kind of like wearing a shock collar, just when you think things are going well ZAP! and you are brought back to earth. The Cubs got off to a great start this season, the first team to win nine, ten and eleven games. Some cracks in the offense started to show and Chicago actually won some games on pitching and fielding.
Last night the Cubs it all together with a massive offensive explosion worth 16 runs. Star pitcher Jake Arrieta was magnificent taking a no hitter into the ninth inning. Once the Cubs got a 9-0 lead you just wanted the Cubs to make outs so you could see if Arrieta was going to complete his gem.
After an unusually long top of the ninth, Arrieta took the mound. He walked the first batter and the warning lights went on. Second man popped out. One out, man on first. Next man lined out to Dexter Fowler in short center field. Just one out to go. First two pitches were strikes. One strike to go. Just missed with his third pitch that could easily have been a strike. Another pitch just outside the zone, 2-2 on the batter. Next pitch short fly ball to right field and Jake had his second no hitter. The second no hitter in his last eleven starts.
You know what, maybe, just maybe, this is the year.
