Jake Arrieta pitched the Cubs first complete game shutout in the playoffs since 1945 and celebrated accordingly after the game. But before Arrieta and his teammates could cleanse themselves with a champagne shower, they would have to literally fight off the Pittsburgh Pirates in the hyper competitive one-game Wild Card playoff. Arrieta hit two Pirates players in the early portion of the game, both which seemed unintentional.
However, intentional or not, the hallowed unwritten rules of baseball mandate a retaliation. Pirates reliever Tony Watson beaned Arrieta with a fastball in the seventh inning, causing the two to exchange a few pleasantries near home plate, followed by both benches and bullpens spilling onto the field. In the end, no harm, no foul, and Arrieta seems to be just fine, especially after he was given unlimited access to champagne in the locker room:
But the best moment came when Arrieta shared this special moment with his adorable son, who is also an excellent champagne server and a world-class Baseball Baby:
Arrieta and his family got to experience the pure unadulterated joy that sports can sometimes provide. It’s a feeling that’s eluded Cubs fans for a very long time, but as they entire the real portion of the playoffs, there could be more champagne in their future.
