The Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs began a three game series at Wrigley Field this afternoon. Chicago held the lead all day, and even survived a late Pittsburgh threat, to pick up a 3-2 win. The Pirates have been struggling with offense all year and currently have the worst run differential in the National League.
The Cubs jumped out to a one run lead in the first inning when Joc Pederson scored on a Phillip Evan’s fielding error. Pederson would then double that lead one inning later with a single to right to bring in David Bote. Chicago would cap their scoring in the third on a Matt Duffy sac fly to center, which brought home Javier Baez.
All of those runs would come off of Pittsburgh starter Trevor Cahill. Cahill worked five innings allowing three runs, two earned, on eight hits to go with two strikeouts and one walk. He was opposed by Zach Davies. Davies threw seven innings and gave up five hits with one strikeout and one walk.
The Pirates had a great opportunity to get on the board in the seventh inning. They had the bases loaded, with no outs, and Todd Frazier at the plate. Frazier would ground out to the pitcher, who would collect the force out at home. Now with one out and the bases still loaded, Ka’ai Tom had a chance to be a hero. He would also ground out to the pitcher for the inning ending double play.
Pittsburgh finally got on the board in the ninth inning. T. Frazier would ground out to short, which allowed Colin Moran to score. Tom would then single to center to bring in Jacob Stallings and cut the Cubs lead to one. With the bases loaded and two outs, Bryan Reynolds stepped to the plate and with the count full, flew out to right to end the game.
It has been a shame to see the offense struggling like this, especially when they get a decent start and the bullpen continues to impress. Hopefully the offense can get it going tomorrow afternoon when these two teams are back on the field. The pitching matchup will feature Wil Crowe taking on former Bucco Trevor Williams. First pitch is 2:20pm.
Record vs. Cubs: 3-4
Record vs. N.L. Central: 5-11
Record on the Road: 8-11
Overall Record: 13-18
And…
As Always…
Let’s Go Bucs!
