There’s always that one pitcher that seems to dominate the Pittsburgh Pirates, but struggles against the rest of the league. Seriously, think about it. It happens every year. The past couple of seasons, it’s been Jeff Samardzija of the Chicago Cubs. Samardzija doesn’t just have a name that sucks to spell throughout an article, but he’s been a pitcher that has been a thorn in the side of the Pirates his whole career. In his career, Samardzija was 4-0 with a 0.92 ERA entering play. Nothing against Samardzija, but he isn’t THAT good. The Pirates finally broke through against the Notre Dame alumni as they won the second game of a three-game set 1-0.
The Pirates struck early as Andrew McCutchen hid one of his two doubles in the game in the first inning and crossed home plate on a Garrett Jones single. Samardzija was in control the rest of the game as he allowed just one more hit, another McCutchen double, the rest of the way.
While the Pirates bats were silent for the most part, they had their own dominant performance on the mound thanks in part to Francisco Liriano. Liriano, who was making his third start as a Bucco, has looked good since joining the team. I don’t think anyone thought he would be this good, though. Liriano was dealing as he allowed just two hits through seven innings, while striking out nine batters.
The left-hander caught a big break in the third inning after he pulled a Houdini act by getting out of a bases-loaded jam without allowing a run. Liriano’s performance, along with three web-gem caliber plays, were the real reason the Pirates won the game on Wednesday night.
Things did get interesting in the ninth inning as Mark Melancon came on for the save opportunity. Closer Jason Grilli was unavailable after it took him 34 pitches to get the save on Tuesday night. A dropped third strike and a base-hit put the Cubbies in business with runners on first and second with one out. Melancon allowed fans to exhale as he ended the threat with consecutive popups to Neil Walker to end the game.
The Pirates will look to sweep the Cubs tomorrow during the matinee finale. Jeanmar Gomez will take the bump for the Pirates.
Photo Credits: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
