Pittsburgh Pirates defeat Chicago Cubs 9-1 – MLB Update
Andrew McCutchen put in a decent performance with his five runs streak to help the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Chicago Cubs 9-1 at PNC Park on Sunday, July 10, for a 2-1 series win.
Paul Maholm pitched no less than seven strong innings, giving up four hits and allowing a run, to seal the victory in the series for the Pirates.
"If we keep winning series, other stuff will take care of itself," Maholm said. "If we get to Sept. 15 or 20, then that will be time to worry about that stuff, but now it's win series and continue to be playing well and having fun."
However, it was McCutchen whose batting exploit also helped earn the victory for the Pittsburgh Pirates. “We're getting our wins and competing with every single team," McCutchen said. "It's real good to finish up (the first half) strong."
Andrew kicked off an exciting game in the very first inning with his sacrifice fly to right, driving in the first run for the Pirates. Ramon Ortiz did not lay a solid foundation for the Cubs with his 2-hit one-run first inning.
Maholm followed with his characteristic fastballs which remained beyond the reach of seemingly helpless Cubs’ hitters. Chicago’s offence barely came forward as a prepared lot in the decisive game.
Just when Neil Walker drove in the second run for the Pirates, McCutchen hit the most breathtaking strike of the day. His three-run homer, while frustrating the Cubs and Ramon Ortiz, cheered the crowd, giving an ultimate 5-0 lead to the Pirates.
Aramis Ramirez scored a single in the fourth inning that Maholm pitched. That brought the lead down to 5-1, but only to be reciprocated with more zeal. The Pirates’ offence jumped back into action afterwards, much to the chagrin of the Cubs’ defence.
McCutchen drove in his fifth and the team’s sixth run in the fifth inning against a struggling Cubs’ starter, Ramon Ortiz. Maholm, on the other hand, remained unyielding.
Once Maholm was done with his unplayable innings that kept the Pirates in the driving seat and leaving the Cubs in absolute confusion, Garret Jones had a bigger surprise to offer for the Pirates and the Cubs’ John Grabow.
Jones hit the second big hit of the game, driving in a two-run homer, only to be followed by Alex Presley’s single that took the lead to 9-1 and almost determining the result of the game.
Jose Veras concluded the game with his unhittable ninth inning feat to win the game by 9-1 for the Pirates and to give a 2-1 victory in the series.
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