Chicago, IL (SportsNetwork.com) – Dexter Fowler went 3-for-4 with two RBI to
power the Chicago Cubs to a 6-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates in the
second of a three-game set on Tuesday.
Starlin Castro finished with three hits, two runs scored and an RBI, while
Junior Lake, Kris Bryant and Addison Russell also drove in a run apiece for
the Cubs, who won their fourth straight game.
Starter Travis Wood (2-1) was solid in the win, surrendering just two runs on
five hits with no walks and nine strikeouts in seven innings of work.
Starling Marte provided a two-run homer for the Pirates, who have dropped two
straight on the heels of a five-game win streak.
Jeff Locke (2-1) was tagged with the loss after giving up six runs — five
earned — on eight hits and three walks over 3 2/3 frames.
The Cubs opened the scoring with three runs in the second inning. Castro and
Lake each singled to place runners on first and third to open the frame.
Russell ushered in Castro on a liner to left field for an RBI double and
Fowler followed with a two-run single to shallow left.
With two outs in the third, Castro reached second after third baseman Josh
Harrison’s throw to first sailed into the crowd. Lake took advantage of the
blunder by doubling to left for a 4-0 game.
Marte cut the deficit in half by stroking a 2-0 fastball just over the wall in
left for a two-run homer in the fourth, bringing home Andrew McCutchen, who
got aboard with a one-out single.
With runners on first and second, Bryant ended Locke’s outing in the bottom
half with a run-scoring single and Castro followed suit against Antonio
Bastardo for a 6-2 lead.
Zac Rosscup and Jason Motte each provided an inning of perfect relief to
ensure the win.
Game Notes
The Cubs won four straight games for the first time since a five-game run from
June 3-7 of last season … Chicago leads the season series 4-2 … The Cubs
will send pitcher Kyle Hendricks to the mound against Gerrit Cole in
Wednesday’s finale.
