The Pittsburgh Pirates lost their eighth straight game on Friday night, a 6-5 defeat to the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park.
Bryse Wilson started for the Bucs, giving up two runs on five hits and three walks in his five innings on the mound. Pittsburgh used a total of five pitchers on the night. Wil Crowe struggled mightily, giving up three runs on one hit and three walks while only recording a single out.
Bryan Reynolds gave the Pirates an early lead with an RBI single in the bottom of the first, scoring Oneil Cruz. Patrick Wisdom’s two run homerun in the top of the second, his 24th of the season, gave the Cubs a 2-1 advantage.
Jack Suwinski hit his 17th homerun of the season in the bottom of the second, a solo shot to tie the game, 2-2. Pittsburgh took a two-run lead in the third inning on RBI doubles by Cal Mitchell and Kevin Newman.
But once again, Chicago answered…this time, with a three-run sixth inning. Two bases-loaded walks tied the game, and a single by Esteban Quiroz gave the Cubs a 5-4 lead.
Reynolds crushed his 25th homerun of the season in the seventh inning, a solo shot to center field which tied the game. But Quiroz delivered the game-winning hit in the top of the eighth, a single that scored Jared Young to make it 6-5.
Pittsburgh certainly had opportunities in this game, and at one point, had a two run advantage and looked as if they could run away with this one. But unfortunately, part of the growing pains of a young, inexperienced team is learning how to win games. This team is clearly still learning how to do that. Until that happens, we will continue to see losing streaks pile up just like we are seeing now.
The Pirates will look to snap their eight game losing streak when they face off against the Cubs on Saturday at PNC Park. Johan Oviedo will take the mound for the Bucs against Wade Miley for Chicago.
Record vs. Cubs: 8-9
Record vs. N.L. Central: 28-37
Record at Home: 28-45
Overall Record: 55-96
And…
As Always…
Let’s Go Bucs!
