Pirates Two-Hit in 8-3 Loss to Cubs: Losing Streak Hits Nine

RECAP

The Pittsburgh Pirates lost their ninth consecutive game Wednesday, falling 6-3 behind a vintage performance from Cubs’ starter Kyle Hendricks. Pittsburgh native Ian Happ hit two doubles and plated a pair of runs, helping to complete the sweep, while the Pirates managed just two hits.

First baseman Connor Joe led off the second with a full-count walk. Left fielder Josh Palacios roped a double to left to score him, opening a 1-0 lead.

Cubs’ shortstop Nico Hoerner tripled in two runs in the third, and right fielder Seiya Suzuki lifted a sacrifice fly to center to make it 3-1.

Pirates starter Rich Hill nearly escaped with a clean sixth inning, but a throwing error by third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes sparked a two-out rally for the Cubs, culminating in a two-run double from Happ.

Hoerner jumped on the first pitch he saw in the seventh—a hanging fastball—depositing it in the right-field bleachers to make it 6-1.

Pittsburgh loaded the bases in the bottom of the frame, scoring two runs to add some late-game drama.

Happ doubled and the Cubs walked the bases loaded in the eighth. Third baseman Nick Madrigal singled in two runs to reestablish a five run lead.

Michael Fulmer pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to secure the sweep.

KEY MOMENT

Tucupita Marcano pinch-hit for Austin Hedges with the bases loaded in the seventh, hitting a dribbler down the first base line that scored two on an error by Mancini, closing the gap to 6-3 and keeping the Pirates alive. The Cubs stopped the bleeding there, though, holding on to secure the win.

STAR OF THE GAME

Nico Hoerner went 2-for-5 with a triple and a homer, knocking in three runs.

STAT OF INTEREST

Despite the two-hitter, five drawn walks helped keep the Pirates’ final scoring line respectable.

NOTEWORTHY

Happ has now reached base in 37 straight games against the Pirates.

Josh Palacios’ second-inning RBI double snapped a 25-inning scoreless streak for the Buccos.

Cubs’ designated hitter Miguel Amaya hit the first double of his career in the third inning.

After going 0-for-2 with a walk, outfielder Jack Suwinski sits hitless in his last 21 at-bats.

An unlucky moment: Henry Davis drew the first hit by pitch of his career.

David Bednar got the best of Happ in a battle of Pittsburgh products, forcing a popout.

UP NEXT

Pittsburgh (34-39) heads to Miami to take on the Marlins in a four-game series. Mitch Keller (8-3, 3.62 ERA with 108 strikeouts) should face Braxton Garrett (3-2, 3.88 ERA with 77 strikeouts) beginning at 6:40pm on Thursday, June 22.