NL Wild Card: 2015 Topps Heritage #384 Jake Arrieta

Tonight's Wild Card tilt features a great pitching matchup. We lead off our early edition of NL WC postings with the visiting hurler Jake Arrieta

2015 Topps Heritage #384 Jake Arrieta 

Vanilla 2015T Heritage photo. I felt as though there was more variation in the pix this year so I found this shot less annoying than I may have in past seasons.

Jake Arrieta starting emerging into the player that the Orioles hoped he would become last season. Unfortunately by then they had traded him to the Cubs. Now the 29 year old Righty as blossomed into a full blown Ace.

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2015 Topps Heritage #384 Jake Arrieta (b-side)

The game mentioned in the -toon was a 7-0 victory over the Cincinnati. An 8th innings double by Brandon Phillips was the lone blemish on Jake Arrieta's day as he faced one over the minimum recording 13 Ks on 110 pitches.    

1966 Topps 
 
2015 Topps Heritage #384 Jake Arrieta (b-side)

Jake Arrieta numerical partner from 1966T is Al Downing who played for the Yankees at the time. I find no connection between the two players other than the fact that Arrieta's -toon reference a Lo-Hitter while Downing's notes a No-Hitter - albeit a minor league one.

Arrieta of course did graduate to the no-hitter ranks this season and has pitched very well going into tonight's game.

I don't believe that Jake Arrietta made it onto a lot of inserts sets in 2015, something tells me that he will be a staple next year

Sources and Links
2015 Playoff Index
2015 Topps Heritage Index 
USA Today
baseball-ref

2012 04 06 Opening Day Snapshots: Twins at Orioles

Team Phungo was lucky enough to go to two Opening Days this year.  First up was the Orioles and Twins season opener.  The O's took the game 4-2 behind a strong pitching performance by starter Jake Arrieta who tossed 7 scoreless for the Birds.  Nick Markakis posted a Homer and a triple with 3 RBIs.  The Twins offensive hilight was a Josh Willingham dinger in the 9th.

Rick Sutcliffe and Chris Hoiles following Ceremonial First Pitch.  Buck Showalter lookis on from the dugout. 

Jake Arrieta demonstrates his fine form.  (click to enlarge)

Twins starting lineup sans Mauer who was in the bullpen  (Click to enlarge)

Beautiful day, Good Friends and a Win.  Team Phungo was very happy with the 2012 Orioles opener....Next Up Phillies Home Opener - spoiler alert - it didn't go as well...

Phungo Game Report - 2011 04 04 Tigers 1 @ Orioles 5 - Opening Day at Camden Yards

Monday was a perfect day featuring the Orioles and their perfect 3 and 0 Record.

I may not go to another game this year that features the beautiful weather that the Orioles Home Opener did on Monday.  The O's contributed to the great day by earning a 5-1 victory over Detroit behind a strong start by second year starter Jake Arrieta.  The 25 year old right-handed pitcher was the latest young Orioles starter to deliver a quality start as their pitching staff has given up a grand total of 4 runs though 4 games.

Orioles Vet Brian Roberts provided the big offensive punch with a 3 run dinger in the 5th. 

The pregame highlights included a National Guard Fly-Over and a first pitch by Hall of Fame Manager Earl Weaver. 


Snapshots

National Anthem (click to enlarge)


Baltimore and Detroit Squads during the National Anthem

Buck Showalter


Baltimore's latest legend Buck Showalter with another Legend Jim Leyland in the background.

Jake Arrieta

Vladimir Guerrero

First AB as an Oriole at Camden Yards

Miguel Cabrera (click to enlarge)

Interesting shot - Cabrera at the plate, Victor Martinez who turned down the O's is on deck.  Matt Weiters is behind the plate.  Tigers manager Jim Leyland in the dugout.