Francisco Liriano took a no-hitter into the seventh inning before allowing three straight hits, one being a game-tying homer to Wellington Castillo, but Justin Morneau backed him up with a RBI single in the 8th, propelling the Pirates to a 3 – 2 series-clinching victory on Sunday afternoon.
Liriano dominated the Cubs offense through six innings while walking four. He did encounter a jam in the sixth without surrendering a hit. He walked Cubs pitcher, Travis Wood to lead off the inning. Wood would advance to second on a Darwin Barney walk and to third on a Rizzo fielders choice. Liriano would get out of the inning, though, as he got Donnie Murphy to ground out to end the threat.
The seventh wouldn’t be as effective for Liriano as he allowed an infield single to Junior Lake to start the inning. Jordy Mercer made an outstanding diving stop on the ball, but was unable to get the throw off. Wellington Castillo would follow and hit a mistake by Liriano into the left field seats to tie the game at two. Liriano would be done after allowing a single to Darnell McDonald one batter later.
“He’s pitched outstanding against that ball team. He was on the edges and just off of them. The pitch-count got a little higher than he wanted it to, but he was able to get outs,” said manager, Clint Hurdle. “I mean, he had a no-hitter through six innings. Four walks complicated some things, four strikeouts. He battles, he competes and he finally got a no decision in his 24th start.”
The game would remain tied until the eighth when Andrew McCutchen was hit-by-pitch with one out. Marlon Byrd moved him to second with a bloop-single to center and Justin Morneau would provide the final blow with a RBI single to left to put the Pirates ahead for good at 3 – 2. “It’s a nice way to contribute today, coming off of the bench,” said Morneau. “I’m here to do whatever he [Hurdle] needs me to do to help this team win and I’m happy with whatever. I’m here to enjoy this ride and take part of it and it’s nice to be able to contribute after Liriano threw the ball so well.”
Kyle Farnsworth got the win with a scoreless eighth inning and Mark Melancon would close the game out with a 1 – 2 – 3 ninth.
The Pirates got on the board in the first when Jose Tabata tripled off of the center field wall and scored on a wild pitch. Tony Sanchez would add to the lead with a home run to right leading off the fourth inning.
Final Score: Pirates 3, Cubs 2.
The Nationals and Cardinals both won keeping the Pirates tied atop the NL Central. The win does drop their playoff magic number to 6.
Starters Lines
Liriano (ND): 6+ IN, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 4 K’s, 1 HR. 107 Pitches (63 Strikes)
Wood (ND): 6 IN, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB,4 K’s, 1 WP, 1 HP, 1 HR. 87 Pitches (62 Strikes)
The Pirates are back in action tomorrow night when they begin a 4-game set with the San Diego Padres at 7:05.
Tomorrow’s Starters
(RHP) A.J. Burnett (PIT): 8 – 10, 3.45 ERA
(RHP) Andrew Cashner (SD): 9 – 8, 3.40 ERA
Follow Travis for Pirates news and in-game updates on Twitter @TBerardi_OVA or @Theyinzer
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
