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Chicago Cubs beat the Bucs 1-0 in pitchers duel at PNC
It took a late triple by the Chicago Cubs Alex Avila to bring home the games first run, but it’s the only one that mattered in the 1-0 win.
The Chicago Cubs managed to scratch together just three hits, but only one of them was important. Alex Avila hit a run-scoring triple in the top of the ninth inning as the Cubs survived a pitcher’s duel with a 1-0 win. Cubs’ starter Jose Quintana pitched six scoreless innings, and Pedro Strop and Wade Davis finished off the rest.
The Cubs (76-63) struggled to find any success against Pirates (67-73) starter Gerrit Cole. But it wasn’t about beating Cole, just outlasting him. Cole went eight shutout innings, striking out eight Cubs before giving way to reliever Daniel Hudson (2-6, 4.61).
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After walking Anthony Rizzo, Leonys Martin was called on to pinch-run. Nevermind the fact that he’s pitched and ran before getting the chance to bat, but that’s not important now. Martin would steal second, but Ian Happ would strike out with Martin on second base.
With the Cubs needing a clutch hit, who better to come through with one than Avila. In his short time in Chicago, he’s had his share of them. Avila dropped a perfectly placed looper down the right field line that would lead to a triple. But more importantly, the game first and only run of the game.
Cubs’ closer Davis came in and made quick work of the PIrates in the ninth, earning his 29th save to start the season. Who was worried about the Cubs replacing Aroldis Chapman?
Next: Rizzo nominated for Clemente Award
The Cubs will face the Pirates tomorrow in the series finale at PNC Park. Jon Lester (9-7, 4.46) will take the mound for the Cubs, coming off a win. Not an impressive one, but a win nonetheless. The Bucs will turn to Jameson Taillon (7-5, 4.50) to try and avoid a series split. First pitch will once again be at 6:05 p.m. CT.