The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Chicago Cubs 2-1 last night behind another strong pitching performance. Starter Trevor Williams allowed just one run on three hits, while pitching into the sixth inning to earn just his second win of the season.
The lone run allowed by Williams was a solo home run by Anthony Rizzo in the top of the first inning. The Pirates responded with back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the first – with Adam Frazier leading off the inning with a round-tripper, followed by Ke’Bryan Hayes.
It was the ninth time Frazier has led off a game with a home run – third all-time in Pirates history, behind Al Martin who did it 10 times, and Andrew McCutchen who had 20 lead-off home runs.
In the past nine games – Pirates starters have a 1.80 ERA over 55 innings. They have allowed just 31 hits while striking out 57.
The Bucs and Cubs complete their series this afternoon at PNC Park. First pitch is 1:35pm. Pre-game on WISR 680am will be 1:10pm.
The Pirates will complete their season in Cleveland beginning Friday night.
The Pirates are 17-39 overall, and are two games behind the Texas Rangers, who are 19-37, for the worst record in baseball.
The Tampa Bay Rays won the American League East title with an 8-5 win over the New York Mets last night – it is the first time in 10 years the Rays have won the title. The Tampa Bay organization began play in 1998 and also won the A.L. East banner in 2008 and 2010.