Jason Hammel cruised through four innings and hit a wall – or the Pirates’ bats – in the fifth, surrendering five consecutive hits (including a three-run homer) before being pulled.
Offensively, the Cubs were baffled by Francisco Liriano all day. There’s not a lot positive to say about this one, other than the fact that several of the bullpen arms once again looked great.
But, hey, technically, today is still a celebration: