CHICAGO — The numbers are growing more ridiculous with each start, and the Chicago Cubs are running out of ways to describe the brilliance of Jake Arrieta.
The ace right-hander pitched seven dominant innings and homered in his major league-best 21st win, and Chicago stopped Pittsburgh's eight-game win streak with a 4-0 victory over the Pirates on Sunday night.
"No doubt in my mind he's the best right-handed pitcher in the game right now," catcher Miguel Montero said.
Arrieta (21-6) retired his first 18 batters before Gregory Polanco grounded a leadoff single into left field in the seventh.