Chicago Cubs defeated by Pittsburgh Pirates 4-5 – MLB Recap
Chicago Cubs defeated by the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-5 in the first game of their three-match regular series encounter on Tuesday, May 21 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.
It was a close game until the Pirates started a brilliant run in the sixth innings as their attacking hitters scored back to back five runs and won the game in great style.
Although the Cubs tried their best to bounce back in the game but they were only able to score one run in the last inning.
“Tonight was probably the most calm pinch-hit at bat I've had, (Manager Clint) Hurdle gave a good speech before the game just talking about situations that come up, whether it's in the sixth inning, the first inning, eighth inning, ninth inning -- the game's
the game,” Travis Snider said.
He added, “And over-thinking those situations isn't going to make it any easier for you if you don't get a hit. So I just tried to go up there and be patient. I got ahead of the count and was able to sit back on a changeup.”
Pirates’ pitchers held the Cubs upfront batters and never allowed them to score freely during the entire game. Pirates’ manager tried four pitchers in Tuesday’s game and they all performed brilliantly as well.
Wandy Rodriguez started the game for the Pirates and tossed six solid innings. He received three runs on six hits. Allowing three earned runs, the veteran pitcher struck out five important Cubs’ hitters on 3.40 ERA.
Later relief pitchers composed the situation allowing no further run. The Pirates closer Jason Grilli however, hammered with one run on two hits. He pitched the last inning by maintaining 1.31 ERA.
On the other hand, the Cubs entire pitching line-up just could not play their natural game as they lost bitterly in the end.
Despite starter Matt Garza provided the Cubs with strong beginning with his five scoreless innings, the rest of the pitchers ruined the momentum receiving too many hits.
Later Hector Rondon was called from the bullpen to carry forward the offence but he received heavy hitting from the Pirates hitters. He allowed three runs on his blistering high 6.19 ERA and proved one of the losing factors for the Cubs.
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