Samardzija Blanks Pirates, 2-0
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) -- Chicago Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija pitched eight shutout innings Monday night in a 2-0 win against the Pirates.
In those eight innings, Samardzija struck out five batters and allowed just one hit.
That one hit came from Pittsburgh center fielder Andrew McCutchen in the fourth inning. The only other Pirates hit came in the ninth inning in a pinch hit at-bat by Josh Harrison.
Alfonso Soriano was the lone run producer for the Cubs Monday night, driving in both Chicago runs.
In the fourth inning, Soriano doubled to center field and scored Starlin Castro. It was the only run surrendered by Pirates starter Erik Bedard, who pitched seven innings and allowed just one run on two hits while striking out 11.
Soriano and Castro hooked up again in the top of the ninth with a double to deep right-center field off Pittsburgh reliever Chris Resop for a 2-0 lead.
This loss coupled with a Cincinnati win against Arizona puts the Pirates 1.5 games back in the NL Central.
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