Chicago Cubs beat the Pirates behind Jake Arrieta’s strong outing

Cubs blank the Pirates behind Arrieta’s seven strong innings; Starlin Castro drives in two

The Chicago Cubs opened the second half with a favorable schedule against teams under .500. Aside the hiccup of being swept by the Phillies (who are red-hot by the way), the Cubs secured their sixth win in a row as they defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-0 behind a solid night from Jake Arrieta (12-6, 2.50).

If there were any questions about last year being a fluke with Arrieta, his put those notions to rest. He allowed just two hits over seven innings, striking out five while walking two. The Cubs (58-47) also got a strong performance from Starlin Castro at the plate and in the field as he went 2-for-5…