Cubs Quick Hits: Jake Arrieta Got Stronger in 7th Inning Against Marlins

“I’m really close to where I need to be.”

That was Jake Arrieta’s message to the media following last night’s strong performance. In particular, he emphasized that he had his best sinking fastball of the year in the 7th inning. Aside from the movement he was generating with the pitch, Arrieta actually was throwing his hardest in his final innings, as seen below on the far right of the graph. I’m especially encouraged by this because we usually see Arrieta weaken as the game goes along, not get stronger.

He clearly felt in sync during the inning and the velocity followed suit, suggesting his mechanics were in the right gear.