It all started in the first inning when Pedro Alvarez hit a three run bomb to start the scoring off. They were held in check until the fifth when Andrew McCutchen hit a solo homer to extend the lead to four. Then things got out of control int he sixth as the Pirates scored six runs to hit double digits for the first time since July 3rd of last year. Garrett Jones hit a two run homer to start the sixth inning rally off. Gorkys Hernandez drove in two with his first big league hit, Alvarez got another RBI with a sacrifice fly, and Neil Walker had an RBI single to bring home the 10th run.
Erik Bedard pitched six innings and didn’t allow a run. He threw a lot of pitches (90) and didn’t come out for the seventh. The offense finally gave one of their starters an easy decision and the Pirates swept the Cubs. Chris Resop gave up three runs in the eighth and Juan Cruz gave up a run on a couple of hits in the ninth; it was a good day for the bullpen to finally give up some runs.
The Reds are in town tomorrow through Wednesday, which presents a bit more of a challenge. The Bucs will try to reach a season high winning streak of four tomorrow at 1:35.