Morton Strong, Offense Not | Cubs 1 Pirates 0

Charlie Morton was back in full force tonight, pitching 7 shut out innings and striking out 7. It was a great start for Morton and absolutely huge for him going forward. However, the offense couldn't pick him up the Pirates lost their 6th straight game.

It would be really nice if I could just write about how great Morton was tonight in breaking the Pirates skid, but unfortunately I cannot do that. Chris Resop gave up a solo home run to Starlin Castro in the 8th and that was all the Cubs would need.

In fairness to the Cubs, Matt Garza was great as he has been for most of this season. He went 7+ innings and gave up just 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 7 of his own. The Pirates had their chances, but couldn't get a hit with a runner in scoring position. Neil Walker had a man on second with 2 out in the 8th and crushed one right at Aramis Ramirez, who gloved it for the 3rd out.

The Pirates threatened in the 9th. Derrek Lee was hit by a pitch and bunted to second by Ryan Ludwick, but Marmol struck out Pedro Alvarez and the pinch hitting Ryan Doumit to end the ballgame.

This is an extremely discouraging stretch for the Pirates, and it just keeps getting worse with every loss. They are now a game below .500 after mustering just 4 hits off the Cubs. They'll have to find some way to win tomorrow if they want to avoid a 4-game sweep to the 5th place Cubs. Yuck.

James McDonald gets the ball tomorrow, which is exciting in and of itself. Don't give up yet, Pirates fans.