It was just less than two weeks ago that Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Gerrit Cole had a start against the Chicago Cubs in which he did not get out of the fifth inning.
The Pirates needed him to come through in a big way in order to avoid a sweep. This task became harder when Jon Lester was matching him pitch for pitch, but Cole was not going to let up.
His eight-inning performance was one of the main keys to a 2-1 victory.
Cole (4-3) had not thrown more than six innings this season, and his seven strikeouts tied a season best.
In that May 2 start against the Cubs, Cole was dominated by the opponent. It was clear that the Cubs also saw something in his delivery and stole three bases against him, as well, which is something that rarely if ever happens against Cole.
The slider helped Cole who limited the damage to three hits.
Cole also finished his outing in a decisive manner, retiring the final 13 Cubs batters he faced.
Kang settles the score
If anyone had the potential to be upset at the Cubs, it was Jung Ho Kang.
Kang had left knee surgery that forced him to miss the start of this season. This came to be because former Cub Chris Coghlan slid into his leg while breaking a double play.
To potentially further Kang’s anger, he was hit by a Jake Arrieta pitch during Saturday’s game. This came during the fourth inning when the Pirates bats were coming to life. Arrieta hit Kang between the A and N on the back of his jersey.
There is no love lost between these two teams who were on opposing sides when it came to judging the pitch’s intent.
When it came to scoring, Kang comprised the entire Pirates offense Sunday afternoon.
Kang started with a two-out seventh-inning double that scored Starling Marte. He then added what turned out to be a much needed insurance run with a solo home run to left center field off Hector Rondon.
The best of #TheKangShow from today: https://t.co/asiFxtkucu pic.twitter.com/GLdApVW9dj
— #VotePirates (@Pirates) May 15, 2016
Often times in baseball, revenge is accomplished by throwing at a batter. Kang found a different way to get back at the Cubs – he used his bat.
Movin on Up
There has been some movement in regards to players as two moves were made this weekend and another appears to be coming Monday.
Cory Luebke returned to the Pirates from his rehab assignment. Luebke had a 2.92 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 12.1 innings while at Triple A Indianapolis.
This move gives the Pirates two left-handed relievers again as Kyle Lobstein was sent to Indianapolis prior to Friday’s game.
A.J. Schugel was sent to Indianapolis as the corresponding move. In 11 games, Schugel had a 4.96 ERA.
A report from LA Sports Management stated that Alen Hanson will be called up from Indianapolis on Monday. This move would be made as Marte will be placed on the bereavement list. His wife is expected to deliver a baby girl Monday.
Congrats to the well deserved call up for Alen Hanson to the Pittsburgh Pirates! Worked his entire life for this opportunity! See you manana
— LA Sports Management (@LASportsMgmt) May 15, 2016
Hanson is represented by LA Sports Management.
This season, Hanson has a .288/.309/.398 slash line while also adding two home runs and seven steals. Hanson can provide speed on the bases with 35 steals last season.
While Hanson could make an outfield contribution, specifically in left field he also has started at second and third base this season.
The Pirates have not officially announced this move.
Up next
Monday the Pirates return to PNC Park for a four-game series against the Atlanta Braves.
Jonathon Niese (3-2 5.63 ERA) will face Williams Perez (1-0 3.54 ERA). Niese is 9-8 with a 3.08 ERA in 22 career starts against the Mets.
