Pirates Slip Past Cubs For 2-1 Victory
CHICAGO (AP) — Brandon Cumpton pitched seven scoreless innings, Travis Snider hit a solo homer and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Chicago Cubs 2-1 on Sunday.
Cumpton (3-2) won his third straight decision as the Pirates won the last two games of the three-game series. Cumpton allowed just two hits and two walks while striking out four.
The rookie right-hander retired 13 of the first 14 batters he faced. He allowed a walk to Nate Schierholtz in the fifth inning, but rebounded by getting John Baker to hit into an inning-ending double play.
Ryan Sweeney reached on a single against Cumpton in the first inning and the other hit was by Cubs starting pitcher Jason Hammel in the sixth.
Pirates closer Mark Melancon pitched the ninth for his 12th save in 15 chances.
Melancon gave up back-to-back singles to Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro. Melancon then struck out Luis Valbuena and got Schierholtz to hit into a fielder's choice as Rizzo scored. Melancon finished the game by getting Junior Lake to fly out.
Gregory Polanco had his hitting streak snapped at 11 games. The Pirates' rookie leadoff hitter had a hit in his first 11 major league games. He was 0 for 3 with a walk.
Hammel (6-5) allowed two runs and six hits in seven innings. He struck out six and walked one.
Hammel's first pitch of the third inning was hit over the center-field wall by Snider. It was Snider's fourth of the season.
Later in the inning, Josh Harrison hit a liner right back at Hammel.
The ball ricocheted off Hammel's right side and allowed Chris Stewart to score from third. Harrison reached first base without a throw. Hammel was briefly looked at by a team trainer.
Pirates reliever Tony Watson pitched out of trouble in the eighth. With runners on second and third with one out, Watson struck out pinch-hitters Welington Castillo and Justin Ruggiano.
NOTES: Cubs OF Emilio Bonifacio has yet to return to baseball activities after being placed on the disabled list on June 13 with a rib injury. "We're still in the wait-and-see," Cubs manager Rick Renteria said. "He's feeling better, he's not feeling any discomfort anymore." Renteria added that this type of injury can become chronic if not taken care of properly, so the Cubs are being as patient and proactive as possible to make sure Bonifacio is full recovered before returning to the active roster. ... Pirates 2B Neil Walker is expected to join the team in Tampa Bay on Monday. He has been on the DL since June 9 with an appendectomy. He is eligible to be reinstated on Tuesday. ... Pirates OF Starling Marte is expected to rejoin the club in Tampa on Monday. He is attending to a personal matter in the Dominican Republic. ... Before the game, the Cubs activated Castillo off the DL. He missed 18 games with a rib cage injury.
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