The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Chicago Cubs 3-2 last night and avoided a series sweep by the Cubs. Rookie outfielder Jack Suwinski hit a game-winning home run in the fifth inning. The Pirates opened the game with Wil Crowe, who went two innings, allowing a first inning run. Mitch Keller went the next 2-2/3rd innings allowing the other Cubs run. Duane Underwood and David Bednar held the Cubs scoreless over the final 4-1/3rd innings. Bednar earning his eighth save in eight tries. Michael Chavis led the Pirates with three hits, Bryan Reynolds added two more hits.
The Pirates are off today, then open a six-game home-stand with the first three games this weekend with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Pirates catcher Roberto Perez will undergo hamstring surgery, and will miss the remainder of the season. The Pirates had given the 33-year old former Gold Glove winner a $5 million contract in to replace Jacob Stallings, after the Pirates traded him to Miami. Perez was injured May 7th in Cincinnati trying to run from first to third base.