It was another beautiful day at PNC Park and for the second straight day the Pittsburgh Pirates dominated the Chicago Cubs. Starting pitcher JT Brubaker kept the Chicago offense in check while on the mound, and did the job at the plate by driving in three runs. In the end, Pittsburgh would defeat the Cubs 7-1 and win their first series of the season.
Brubaker was strong during his 5.1 innings on the mound. He would allow one run on four hits to go with four strikeouts and one walk. That lone run came in the second inning when Javier Baez hit a solo home run to centerfield. The Pirates were able to answer in the second inning when the offense came to life against former Bucco Trevor Williams.
Dustin Fowler would tie the game at one with double to left center field that brought home Gregory Polanco. Brubaker would then drive a ball down the rightfield line to bring around Jacob Stallings and Polanco. Pittsburgh would hold on to the lead for the remainder of the day and add some insurance runs.
Brubaker would strike again in the third when he hit into a fielder’s choice that scored Kevin Newman. Another run would be added just an inning later when Colin Moran singled to left center field to score Philip Evans. The final two runs of the day occurred in the seventh when pinch hitter Wilmer Difo smacked a two-run home run to right field.
The Pirates bullpen did a great job of making sure Chicago did not get back into this game. Sam Howard struck out two batters during his inning of work. Chris Stratton collected two outs before giving way to Kyle Crick. Crick would strike out a batter and allow a hit in the eighth inning. The ninth belonged to David Bednar and he would strike out one batter, before inducing a ground out to end the game.
This was a big win for Pittsburgh and a much-needed series win after dropping the first two of the season. Bryan Reynolds caught fire today, going 4-5 at the plate. Stallings and Evans also had multi-hit games with two apiece. The Pirates will now welcome the San Diego Padres to town for a four-game series that will begin tomorrow night at 6:35pm.
Record vs. Cubs: 3-3
Record vs. N.L. Central: 3-6
Record at Home: 2-1
Overall Record: 3-6
And…
As Always…
Let’s Go Bucs!
