Francisco Liriano, Pirates blank Cubs in Chicago to snap losing streak
By Matt Gajtka
Veteran lefthander Francisco Liriano turned in another high-quality start for the Pittsburgh Pirates, guiding them to a 2-0 defeat of the Chicago Cubs on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field.
Liriano pitched seven innings, allowing just two singles while lowering his ERA to 1.75. The 29-year-old struck out eight Cubs in his sixth start of the season after recovering from a broken arm suffered in the offseason. The Pirates, who snapped a three-game losing streak Friday, have won four of Liriano’s six starts.
Jun 7, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Jordy Mercer (10) hits a double against the Chicago Cubs during the sixth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Appearances by relievers Mark Melancon and Jason Grilli have also portended well for the Bucs, and that trend continued as each tossed a scoreless inning to preserve the tight win. Melancon recorded two strikeouts in the eighth, while Grilli fanned the side in the ninth to escape a pair of Chicago hits and earn his 23rd save in 23 chances.
Russell Martin doubled in Jordy Mercer in the top of the sixth, the only run the Pirates (36-25) needed. Travis Snider grounded into an RBI fielder’s choice in the ninth to provide some cushion for Grilli. Mercer and Martin collected two hits each, with shortstop Mercer bopping a pair of doubles in the No. 2 spot of the batting order.
Chicago starter Travis Wood surrendered a run on four hits in six complete innings. He was also the first Cub to get a hit off Liriano, who threw four no-hit innings to start his afternoon.
With the loss in front of 31,000-plus, the fourth-place Cubs (24-34) dropped to 13-17 at Wrigley. The Pirates are 15-14 on the road.
The two National League Central rivals battle in the middle tilt of a three-game series Saturday at 4:05 p.m. Eastern. Jeff Samardzija, who shut out the Bucs on Opening Day, is slated to pitch for the home side. A.J. Burnett will oppose.