Pirates’ bats roll in Wrigley in support of Gerrit Cole
There was no hangover for the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday night in Chicago. One game after clinching a postseason berth, the Pirates proved they deserve to be playing in October with an 8-2 win over the Cubs.
Sep 24, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Gerrit Cole after pitching during their game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
The offense was explosive and Gerrit Cole was smooth to stay perfect in September. The rookie right-handed pitcher improved to 4-0 in the month, bringing his year win total to 10. Cole allowed seven hits in six innings with two earned runs and six strikeouts. He sent Chicago down in order three times, but escaped a bases loaded jam in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Cole was backed by the Pirates’ offense, who tallied eight runs for the first time since a 12-8 loss in St. Louis on Sept. 6. The last time the Pirates scored at least eight runs and won was on Aug. 20 with an 8-0 win against the San Diego Padres.
Pittsburgh scored three in the top of the second inning. Marlon Byrd led off with a single and Gaby Sanchez walked. After Russell Martin flew out and advanced Byrd to third base, Pedro Alvarez scored him with a ground-rule double to right field. A single by Cole brought home Sanchez and Alvarez two batters later.
Jordy Mercer hit his seventh home run of the season in the top of the third and the Pirates added two runs in both the fifth and eighth innings.
Starling Marte was 2 for 5 with an RBI double, Andrew McCutchen had two hits and scored a run and Byrd collected two hits and scored twice.
One night after making the play to send the Pirates to the playoffs for the first time since 1992, catcher Russell Martin was 0 for 5 with three strikeouts and left seven runners on base. Josh Harrison started at second base and was 0 for 2. Neil Walker replaced Harrison in the fifth inning and reached base with a walk.
Cubs starting pitcher Chris Rusin lasted just 2 1/3 innings being torched for six hits and four earned runs. Five other pitchers made appearances for Chicago.
The Pirates will go for the sweep of the Cubs on Wednesday afternoon at 2:10 p.m. EST.