Gerrit Cole pitches Pittsburgh Pirates to series win over Giants

The Pittsburgh Pirates were looking for any positive signs entering this recent home stand and right-handerGerrit Coledelivered something that could possibly springboard the Pirates to some success in the upcoming weeks.

May 7, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) delivers a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Cole pitched eight strong innings as the Bucs defeated the San Francisco Giants 4-3 Wednesday afternoon, putting the touches on the second consecutive series win for the Pirates.

The win from Cole (3-2), who allowed three runs on seven hits while striking out seven, marked the first time a Pirates starting pitcher has picked up a win sinceEdinson Volquezdid so back on April 17 and is only the fourth win from a Pirates starter all season long, three of which coming from Cole.

The Pirates needed solid starting pitching this series after their bullpen has been taxed and a day afterCharlie Mortonspun and eight inning gem of his own, Cole delivered. It marked the first time since 2007 that Pirates starters have gone eight innings in back-to-back games.

The Bucs got all the offense they needed early on.

The Pirates fell behind 1-0 early on whenBrandon Belttouched up Cole for his ninth homer of the season in the first inning, but the Pirates answered in their half of the first.

Andrew McCutchensingled inTravis Snider, who got the start in right field and batted leadoff, to tie the game at one.Starling Martefollowed with an RBI double to plate McCutchen and give the Bucs a 2-1 lead after one.

The Pirates got to Giants’ starterTim Lincecum(2-2) again in the second for a pair of runs when Snider, who had a pair of hits and drew a walk on the afternoon, singled inChris Stewartand Cole to make it a 4-1 game.

San Francisco battled back when Belt delivered a two-run double in the fifth to close the gap to 4-3, but Cole responded by retiring nine of the next 10 batters to pick up the win.

Mark Melanconretired the Giants in order in the ninth to pick up his second save of the season.

The Pirates offense continues to come around as they pounded out 12 hits, three of which belonged toIke Davis. Snider, McCutchen and Stewart also delivered multi-hit performances.

The Bucs have Thursday off before hosting the St. Louis Cardinals for a three-game series.

Francisco Liriano(0-3, 4.54 ERA) will get the ball on Friday for the Pirates and will be opposed by the Cardinals’Michael Wacha(2-3, 2.55).