Though A.J. Burnett struggled at times with his control, he was able to pitch seven shutout innings as the Pittsburgh Pirates avoided a sweep with its 3-0 victory against the Chicago Cubs.
Andrew McCutchen is not known for his defense, however two plays he made significantly helped the Pirates in this game.
In the bottom of the second inning with Miguel Montero on first base after a single, Burnett got Chris Coghlan to fly out to the Pirates center fielder. McCutchen got a late break on the ball and made a sliding catch. Montero was far enough off the bag that McCutchen’s throw was able to beat him. It was McCutchen’s third outfield assist of the season.
McCutchen was tested once again in the bottom of the seventh inning. He was able to run down a deep fly ball hit by Jorge Soler. It was the first of three fly balls Burnett had in a seven pitch inning, his last of the game.
Burnett [3-1] has now won three consecutive decisions. His five walks are a season high and most since Sep. 21. Burnett allowed three hits and struck out seven batters on 103 pitches, 63 of which were strikes. This was the second outing that Burnett eclipsed 100 pitches.
Burnett also lowered his ERA to 1.38 on the season. He surpassed Bob Walk for most consecutive starts to begin a season in which two or fewer runs were scored. Burnett has accomplished this feat in each of his first eight starts.
Despite allowing one run in seven innings, Jake Arrieta [4-4] picked up the loss. Against the Pirates in two losses, Arrieta has allowed two runs in 14 innings. He has walked one batter and allowed nine hits.
Francisco Cervelli knocked in the first Pirates run in the fifth inning. Josh Harrison hit his ninth double of the season before Cervelli singled. Harrison scored, however Cervelli was caught in a rundown.
The other two runs were scored in the top of the eighth inning off Zac Rosscup. Rosscup’s 33 pitches thrown represented a career high in this, his second full major league season.
Cervelli started the inning with a single and pinch-hitter Sean Rodriguez advanced him to second base with a sacrifice bunt. Neil Walker brought the first run home with his 11th double of the season. After McCutchen walked, Marte hit his seventh double of the season allowing Walker to cross home plate.
Mark Melancon allowed two base runners in the ninth inning but earned his ninth save of the season.
This Pirates win gives the team a 4-11 record against National League Central opponents on the road. It also ends a four game losing streak.
After an off-day Monday, the Pirates will begin a two game home series against the Minnesota Twins. In the first game Francisco Liriano [1-3 2.96 ERA] will take on Ricky Nolasco [3-1 6.38 ERA]. Liriano is 1-0 with a 2.77 ERA in two career starts against his former team. Nolasco is 5-4 with a 2.48 ERA in 12 appearances [10 starts] against the Pirates.
Photo courtesy: Carlos Osorio/AP
