Things looked good for Pittsburgh,but quickly went awry as Pedro Alvarez whiffed and Neil Walker grounded into a game ending twin killing that allowed the Cubs to leave town with a 3-2 win and Chicago taking two of the three games in the series.James McDonald was the losing pitcher,but pitched well over seven innings as he allowed just one run.
The Pirates now travel west with stops in Los Angeles and Arizona.
Pirate Hooks
1) I was very pleased with James McDonald's start despite the loss,especially after he looked so bad in spring outings and was ripped in his few innings in Altoona against the Curve.
McDonald looked in good form as he allowed just four baserunners (2 hits,2 walks).
When McDonald is sharp,he has the curve working and he was able to do so against the Cubs,allowing me to hope that last year's "good" McDonald still exists...
2) The Cubs only held a one run lead entering the ninth,but Jared Hughes allowed a two run homer to former Hagerstown Sun Nate Schierholz.
Schierholz was always a good guy in Hagerstown and a fan favorite with the Giants,so at least it was a defeat from him,although that means nothing in the standings...
3) I know Pedro Alvarez swings from the heels and strikeouts are part of the territory with big bombers,but you just have to get the bat on the ball someway,somehow.
Even a double play would have been tolerable as that would have forced extra innings and I'll take me chances there...
4) The Pirates have always struggled with Carlos Marmol,Marmol has struggled with himself in this series.
Lacking control and a flat fastball,Marmol might be an uneasy watch for Cubs fans for a while.
5) At least Andrew McCutchen is still in form,McCutchen continues his strong play and I like Starling Marte as well,the Pirates seem pretty safe in two thirds of the outfield....
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