Series 16 Cubs at Pirates

    Game 1

     The Pirates jumped on Arrieta early in this one. They scored 2 runs in the first on 3 hits a wild pitch. They added another in the second as Craig doubled and scored on Gamels' second hit of the game. The Cubs would start to chip away in the top of the third when Pederson hit a high long homer to right on a high-hanging changeup. Arrieta would start to settle down as well as he worked 5 innings with only the 3 runs given up. The Cubs would continue to get back in the game as Pederson golfed a low slider out to right-center to tie the game at 3. After Bryant flew out to right, Baez would double and Rizzo would single him home to get the lead for the Cubs. The bullpen would stay hot and shut the Pirates down for the rest of the game. Unfortunately, the injury bug would bit again as Hoerner left the game after a failed bunt attempt. It looked bad and hopefully, it's not as bad as it seems. This team continues to fight through injuries but they are reaching a point of not having enough guys so some good news on that front would be huge.

    Game 2

     The Cubs jumped out to an early lead in this one. Bote started it off with a 2 run homer in the second to straightaway center. The. Cubs would continue the inning as Sogard and Williams would single before Pederson flew out to deep center. Bryant would single home Sogard to extend the lead to 3 as Crowe was chased from the game early. Underwood would pitch a solid 3 and 2/3 for the Pirates while Williams was on his way to a great start lasting 6 innings with only 1 earned run allowed. The Cubs would add another run on a Bryant single in the sixth. The Pirates would get a run back in the bottom of the inning as Gonzolez singled home Newman. The Cubs bullpen would again shut their opponents down with 3 baserunners in 3 innings but 5 K's and no runs.

    Game 3

     The Cubs scored early again as Bryant hit a solo shot in the first to grab the lead. The Cubs would score again in the third on a wild play. With 2 outs and Contreras on third, Baez hit a grounder to third that was fielded but the throw was off so Craig went to tag Baez out. Baez would run back almost to the plate and then Craig threw it home to try and get Contreras out at home. Baez would streak to first where no one was covering and a throwing error would advance him to second on the play. This was an absolute bluster by Craig where he could have just stepped on the base to end the inning. The Cubs would score again when Happ would single in Baez. So all in all the Cubs got 2 huge unearned runs. Wisdom would get the Cubs another run on a solo homer in the fourth. Then the Pirates would start to fight back. Back-to-back homers by Reynolds and Polanco put them right in it after the fourth. Another solo homer in the seventh from Perez would have them trail by only one run. Hendricks would leave after the seventh pitching a solid 7 innings of 3 run ball all on solo homers. The Cubs would add an insurance run when Bryant grounded into a double play that scored Sogard. The bullpen would shut the Pirates down for a series sweep.

    The good

     A series sweep that keeps the Cubs right at the top of the division. The bullpen is continuing its dominance as it reaches new levels. They didn't give up a run and continued to hold the lead in three tight games. This group of relievers is pitching extremely well and the depth has been amazing. There have been injuries but it hasn't stopped their dominance of late.

    The bad

     Injuries continue to pile up and its only a matter of time before the full effect is felt. Hoerner going down in game 1 after such a hot start to the year is horrible. Continuing the close games is also nerve-wracking as it will be hard to keep winning all of them.

    Looking ahead

     Another series against a lower division opponent is on deck. Getting a series victory will be vital as the Cubs try to fight the Cardinals for division dominance. Also the longer they are competitive the more likely they find a way to sign some of the core that all Cubs fans have grown to love and want to see around longer.