Cubs Fall To Pirates 2-1
CHICAGO (AP) — Francisco Liriano pitched two-hit ball over seven innings and the Pirates beat the Chicago Cubs 2-0 Friday for their major league-leading 10th shutout, matching Pittsburgh's total for all of last season.
Liriano (4-2) walked five, his most since Sept. 1 last year, but struck eight to help Pittsburgh stop a three-game losing streak. He had lost his previous two starts.
Mark Melancon pitched the eighth, and Jason Grilli finished the five-hitter for his major league-leading 23rd save in as many chances. After two-out singles by Ryan Sweeney and pinch-hitter Dioner Navarro, Grilli struck out Darwin Barney.
Russell Martin had two hits, including an RBI double off Travis Wood (5-4) in the sixth as the Pirates won for the second time in seven games. Jordy Mercer doubled twice.
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