The Pirates scored six times in the fifth inning and completed their first ever triple play at PNC Park as they defeated the Cubs on Sunday afternoon to keep their 1 1/2 game lead in the National League Wild Card race.
The Pirates (79-70) did nothing against Cubs starter Jacob Turner through the first trip of the lineup, but the defensive gem helped ignite their quiet bats.
With runners on first and second against Pirates starter Edinson Volquez and the Cubs leading 3-0, Matt Szczur hit a sharp ground ball down the third base line. Josh Harrison was in perfect position for the ball and stepped on third before starting the around-the-horn relay.
It’s the first time a triple play has been made by the Pirates in Pittsburgh since August 10th, 1993 and the first time an around-the-horn triple was perfected by the Bucs since July 23rd, 1979.
“I was thinking triple play when it was hit,” said Harrison. “Hit hard to my right one step. I knew for sure it was a double play because Szczur can run, but it was just one of those ones that had me going to the bag and I knew we had a shot.”
An ignited lineup then began chipping away at the Cubs lead when Neil Walker sent Turner deep into the bushes in the fourth. It is his 20th home run of the season passing Bill Mazeroski for most by a second basemen in a single season.
“I haven’t really thought of it before,” said Walker. “I’m humbled to be mentioned in the same breath as the people on the list as far as second basemen go. To get to this point is very humbling.”
They then took control in the fifth when 12 batters came to the plate and produced six runs. Harrison tied the game with a 2 RBI double down the left field line. Travis Snider immediately followed with a RBI double to give the Pirates a 4-3 lead. Walker, Gaby Sanchez and Gregory Polanco added RBI in the inning to make it 7-3.
“You stay aggressive in the strike zone, stubborn with your approach and keep playing and that’s what we were able to do,” said manager Clint Hurdle.
The Cubs (65-84) capitalized on early mistakes made by Volquez. After walking two batters, he fielded a chopper in front of the mound then made an off-balanced throw over the head of first basemen Andrew Lambo allowing a run to score. John Baker then brought the second run in with a sacrifice fly.
Another Pirates error cost them in the third. Javier Baez singled and stole second. Russell Martin’s throw to second went into center field allowing Baez to take third. He then scored on a Chris Coghlan sacrifice fly.
The triple play seemed to calm Volquez as he retired nine of the final eleven Cubs he faced.
“It was hard for me to get loose and get into a rhythm those first three innings,” said Volquez. “I was able to settle down and make better pitches in the final four innings.”
Tony Watson and Mark Melancon both worked perfect innings to close things out.
Final score: Pirates 7, Cubs 3.
The Pirates won each of the six series against the Cubs and finished the season series 14-5.
The win keeps the Pirates 1 1/2 games in front of the Brewers for the second National League Wild Card spot. They also remain 3 1/2 behind the Cardinals for the National League Central lead.
Starters Lines
Volquez (W, 12-7): 7 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 5 K’s. 98 Pitches (58 Strikes).
Turner (L, 5-10): 4 1/3 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 1 IBB, 1 K, 1 HR. 86 Pitches (49 Strikes).
The Pirates will have an off day before hosting the Boston Red Sox for a three-game series.
Tuesday’s Starters
(RHP) Charlie Morton (PIT): 5-12, 3.84 ERA
(RHP) Anthony Ranaudo (BOS): 3-2, 5.40 ERA
First pitch Tuesday is set for 7:05.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
