The Pittsburgh Pirates quest to move into second place in the National League Central will have to wait as they fell 4-0 to the Chicago Cubs Monday night.
In this game, the Pirates offense managed four hits, one of which was from Neil Walker who extended his hitting streak to 10 games. Francisco Cervelli, Vance Worley and Chris Stewart got the other three hits.
Worley [2-2] pitched six innings allowing nine hits, all four runs, one walk and three strikeouts. He threw 97 pitches, 61 of which were strikes. His ERA now stands at 4.50 on the season.
Anthony Rizzo got two RBI in the contest with a two-out double in the third inning to score Dexter Fowler and another in the fifth inning once again with two outs. This time Rizzo singled to center field to score Addison Russell.
Kris Bryant was responsible for driving in the other two runs in the third inning with another single to center scoring both Jorge Soler and Rizzo.
Jason Hammel [2-1] pitched eight innings in the win allowing the four hits and striking out seven batters over the course of 107 pitches, 71 of which were strikes.
Rob Scahill pitched two scoreless innings allowing two hits while adding a walk and two strikeouts. Pedro Strop set down the Pirates in the ninth inning.
The victory ends the Pirates five-game winning streak.
This series will continue Tuesday with Travis Wood [1-1 3.24 ERA] facing Jeff Locke [2-0 3.32]. Wood had a no-decision in his start last week against the Pirates allowing three runs in five innings. He is 5-7 with a 4.35 ERA in his career against the Pirates. Locke last pitched in a no-decision against the Cubs last week allowing four runs in five innings. Locke is 1-1 with a 4.32 ERA in his career against the Cubs.
Photo credit: TiVo_epaper
