Five years ago, the Cubs embarked on a historic journey that will go down as one of the most impactful seasons in professional sports.

Throughout 2021, we’re taking a look back at some of the best moments from the incredible 2016 campaign.

Next up: Jake Arrieta improves to 7-0

A new year, another Jake Arrieta dominant outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

After dispatching the Pirates in the 2015 NL Wild Card Game, Arrieta twirled another gem against the Buccos improving to 7-0 with an 8-inning, 11-strikeout performance in an 8-2 Cubs’ win.

Unlike the Wild Card Game, though, this game wasn’t all clear sailing. Arrieta allowed 2 runs in the game, a 2-run single to Francisco Cervelli in the 4th inning that gave the Pirates a 2-0 lead.

Anthony Rizzo and the Cubs were quick to respond, though, as Rizzo hit a 3-run home run — his 11th of the season — in the bottom of the inning to give the Cubs a 3-2 lead they would not relinquish.

From there, Arrieta took control. He allowed just 3 hits and 2 walks in the game, as the Cubs won their 21st straight game that Arrieta had started. The Cubs improved to 27-8 with the win and won the three-game series over Pittsburgh.

Fun Facts

–   It was Arrieta’s 18th straight decision as a win.

–   Arrieta had his second career 11-strikeout game against Pittsburgh, the first being the 2015 NL Wild Card game.

–   The 2 earned runs actually raised Arrieta’s ERA from 1.13 to 1.29.

–   Rizzo’s home run was the quickest he had reached 11 home runs in his career.

–   The win marked the Cubs’ 7th straight win over the Pirates, including the 2015 Wild Card Game.