With the MLB Draft and the news of top prospect Gerrit Cole likely making his Pirates debut on Tuesday making the headlines today, the Pirates had to get back to business after a much needed off day. While the city is buzzing about seeing the pitching phenom in a few days, it was another relatively new Pirates that impressed again and stopped the Pirates three-game losing skid with a 2-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs.
Francisco Liriano has been excellent in all but one start since coming off the disabled list. While his command wasn’t all there as he allowed five walks, he was able to strikeout eight Cubbies, allowing just two hits over seven shutout innings. Liriano’s record on the year goes to 3-2 with an ERA under 2.00.
The old adage is true that a win is a win, but the Pirates bats were quiet once again. The Buccos were able to muster just six hits on the day; none bigger than Russell Martin’s RBI double in the sixth inning. Martin and Jordy Mercer had four of the six hits combined, including three doubles. A Travis Snider fielder’s choice in the eighth inning pushed across Martin for the only other run on the day.
After Liriano’s exit, Mark Melancon and Jason Grilli came in to seal the deal.
The Pirates and Cubs will square off for game two of the three-game set tomorrow as A.J. Burnett (3-6, 3.22 ERA) will oppose Pirates killer Jeff Samardzija (3-6, 2.96 ERA) at 4:05 p.m.
Photo Credits: Yahoo! Sports
