What also helped keep Arrieta in the game was that he did not have any stressful innings in the Cubs' 8-0 victory over the Twins.
"All the indicators and factors were pointed in the right direction, so let him finish," Maddon said.
That's what Arrieta did, notching his second career shutout. The right-hander scattered four hits, did not walk a batter and struck out seven. It was the 33rd quality start by a Cubs pitcher this season, and the team now is 27-6 in those games.
"I got better as the game went on, and a little more comfortable and found a really good tempo and timing with my delivery," Arrieta said.