The Cubs got great efforts from both Brian Bogusevic and Anthony Rizzo which led them to a 5-4 win at PNC Park Friday night. The Cubs also got a solid pitching effort from starter Jake Arrieta.
The Cubs started the scoring in the second inning when Darwin Barney grounded into a fielders choice that scored Nate Schierholtz. Then in the fourth inning, Bogusevic hit a big two run home run to center field to push the Cub lead to three.
The Pirates would strike back in the fourth when Pedro Alvarez came all the way around to score on an inside-the-park home run. A batter later Russell Martin belted a solo home run and then Garrett Jones hit another solo home run to give the Pirates back-to-back-to-back home runs in the inning and that would tie the game at three. Then in the sixth Alvarez reached on a fielding error by pitcher Brooks Raley, that would allow Andrew McCutchen to score.
In the top half of the seventh Anthony Rizzo belted a two run home run to right field that would give the Cubs the lead and the eventual win. This is definitely a confidence boost for a kid who has struggled all year to find it.
Jake Arrieta started for the Cubs, he went five strong innings, gave up six hits, and three earned runs. Carlos Villanueva would get the win for the Cubbies, his sixth win of the year. Kevin Gregg got his 32nd save of the year.
Charlie Morton was the starter for the Pirates, he also went five innings, gave up just four hits, and three earned runs. Jason Grilli would get charged with a blown save and a loss. The loss is just his second of the year.
Bogusevic, Rizzo, and Dioner Navarro paced the offense. Bogie had three hits while Rizzo and Navarro each had two hits. Bogusevic and Rizzo combined to drive in five runs on the night.
McCutchen, Alvarez, and Jose Tabata led the way for the Pirates. The trio had two hits a piece and combined for one RBI and two runs scored.
The win will help the Cubs avoid having a 100 loss season. I know this seems like a silly goal, but this isn’t exactly a team that has gobs of talent on it. The Cubs are making progress and they are hopefully on their way to better days.
The Cubs and Pirates are now set for the weekend as they have two more games against one another. Game time for tomorrow is set for 6:05 PM CT again. Gerrit Cole (7-7) and Scott Baker (0-0) are the respective starters for each team. This start marks Baker’s second start of the season.
Bogusevic, Rizzo Lead Cubs by Pirates - Da Windy City - Da Windy City - A Chicago Sports Site - Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & More