Chicago Cubs: Mike Montgomery continues to show he belongs in rotation

Making his second start for the injured Jon Lester, Chicago Cubs left-hander Mike Montgomery put the team on his back in a series-opening win Monday night.

Hoping to turn things around after a rocky road trip, the Chicago Cubs needed to get off on the right foot in the series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Thanks to Mike Montgomery, they did just that.

Chicago (70-60) scored runs in the second and fifth to back Montgomery, before scoring three insurance tallies in an eventful seventh. The lefty pitched into the eighth, allowing just one earned on six hits.  He gave way to right-hander Carl Edwards Jr in the eighth.

The lanky right-hander was effective, keeping Pittsburgh (63-69) off the board in relief of Montgomery. Having Edwards pitch effectively down the stretch is key for the Cubs as they eye a third-straight postseason appearance.

The Cubs opened the scoring on an Ian Happ RBI single in the bottom of the second, scoring Anthony Rizzo from second. The Chicago first baseman followed in the fifth with a run-scoring sac fly to make it 2-0.

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In the seventh, though, the Cubs put up some insurance tallies. Jon Jay reached on a Sean Rodriguez error to open the frame. After Albert Almora Jr. struck out, Kris Bryant singled to put men on first and second.

Rizzo grounded back to the mound, advancing both runners. After Steven Brault intentionally walked Happ, the wheels came off for the Pirates. Alex Avila singled on the 3-2 pitch with two away.

Rodriguez fielded the ball on the outfield grass, but threw past first base, allowing two runs to score. Catcher Chris Stewart backed the play up, but uncorked a throw to second that sailed into the outfield, allowing a third runner to score.

Jordy Mercer homered in the top of the eighth, accounting for the only run put up against Montgomery. The Cubs improved to 6-7 on the year against Pittsburgh. Rizzo increased his team-best RBI total to 93 on the year.

Oh, and Javier Baez added to his ‘El Mago’ resume. Imagine that.

Next: Marlins' Stanton chasing down Cubs' Sosa in history books

What’s Next

Jake Arrieta (13-8, 3.49) takes the ball on Tuesday night at Wrigley. Right-hander Chad Kuhl (6-9, 4.42) opposes him for the Pirates. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. CT.

CSN Chicago carries the television broadcast and 670 WSCR AM will have the radio call.