April 28, 2015

Cubs 6, Pirates 2

¹²⁵

by Dejan Kovacevic • Game previews • Tags: Pirates

BY DEJAN KOVACEVIC

Getting ready for first pitch …

Game: Pirates (11-9) vs. Chicago Cubs (11-7), 8:05 p.m., Wrigley Field, Chicago

Pitchers: LHP Jeff Locke (2-0, 3.32) vs. LHP Travis Wood (1-1, 3.24)

TV, radio: Root Sports, 93.7 The Fan

Online: Gameday / Multimedia / Official game notes

Wrigley Field’s $1 billion renovation already has brought a new scoreboard to left field. — GETTY

125 Comments Newest to oldest

JAL

4-28-2015, 6:15 pm

Pirates Lineup:
1. Josh Harrison (R) 3B
2. Jordy Mercer (R) SS
3. Andrew McCutchen (R) CF
4. Corey Hart (R) 1B
5. Starling Marte (R) LF
6. Neil Walker (S) 2B
7. Francisco Cervelli (R) C
8. Sean Rodriguez (R) RF
9. Jeff Locke (L) P

JAL

4-28-2015, 6:15 pm

Cubs Lineup:
1. Dexter Fowler (S) CF
2. Anthony Rizzo (L) 1B
3. Jorge Soler (R) RF
4. Kris Bryant (R) 3B
5. Starlin Castro (R) SS
6. Junior Lake (R) LF
7. Welington Castillo (R) C
8. Travis Wood (R) P
9. Addison Russell (R) 2B

Radio wave

4-28-2015, 6:28 pm

Interesting at 1b and rf. cubs pitcher 8?

JAL

4-28-2015, 6:30 pm

Cubs been hitting pitcher in the 8 spot all season

Naje

4-28-2015, 6:59 pm

Why interesting? Just a righty-lefty matchup.

Milo Hamilton

4-28-2015, 8:11 pm

"Look at me, I'm managing."

steelag70

4-28-2015, 8:14 pm

Joe Maddon, the Hipster....

Parker

4-28-2015, 6:55 pm

Let's Go Bucs!

Biz

4-28-2015, 8:07 pm

I hope the good Locke shows up tonight

steelag70

4-28-2015, 8:11 pm

I hope the bats show up tonight. If the first inning is any indication, it could be another long night for this offense.

Biz

4-28-2015, 8:23 pm

Good point

steelag70

4-28-2015, 8:12 pm

Come on Jordy....you have to get the bat off of your shoulder...

Milo Hamilton

4-28-2015, 8:13 pm

.218
.189
.175
.200
.227

First five spots in the order tonight. Smoke and mirrors so far.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 8:16 pm

Vs this Kiddie Cub killer lineup....they are definitely clutch vs us so far....

steelag70

4-28-2015, 8:19 pm

By the time this offense gets it going the starting pitchers will go into some sort of a slump...never can get them both going at the same time it seems.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 8:27 pm

Last night's offensive effort...rinse, repeat.

Parker

4-28-2015, 8:35 pm

Going down meekly as well.

Parker

4-28-2015, 8:32 pm

Throwing a lot of pitches early.

Jay Baileys

4-28-2015, 8:45 pm

Right down the middle and they are hammering him.

pitsports49

4-28-2015, 8:36 pm

How didn't mercer get an error on that misplayed ball?

steelag70

4-28-2015, 8:37 pm

The old at'em ball!

steelag70

4-28-2015, 8:40 pm

Similar to Locke's last start vs the Cubs...not sharp and too many pitches early.

Parker

4-28-2015, 8:43 pm

Wow. That was ugly. Terrible

Milo Hamilton

4-28-2015, 8:44 pm

And there's not even any hockey to flip to.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 8:46 pm

Or the draft....

steelag70

4-28-2015, 8:45 pm

Cubs are a better team...clutch hitters...

Big Daddy

4-28-2015, 8:50 pm

We will never have a long winning streak with Locke and Worley in the starting rotation.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 8:52 pm

Or a poor offense...

Milo Hamilton

4-28-2015, 8:54 pm

Worst on base percentage in baseball doesn't help either.

Milo Hamilton

4-28-2015, 8:51 pm

Starlin Castro is Ronny Cedeno with talent.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 8:52 pm

That was a HORRIBLE effort at bunting...

Parker

4-28-2015, 8:55 pm

Troubling display tonight.....so far. These division games are extra important, even though it is April.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 8:59 pm

Especially since most of our games vs the Cubs are early in the season...

steelag70

4-28-2015, 8:57 pm

Buccos 8-1 vs the mighty Brewers and Dbacks, and 3-8 vs Reds, Tigers and Cubs....

Parker

4-28-2015, 8:59 pm

We need to scratch next inning. We have 2,3,4 coming up. Need some O, and need Cutch to snap out of it.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 9:03 pm

It really is ridiculous how streaky this offense is...

steelag70

4-28-2015, 9:05 pm

You would think that Corey Hart is the one learning how to play 1B....

cmat0829

4-28-2015, 9:06 pm

Pirates focus in these games so far has been awful. Defense shaky and approaches at the plate terrible.

bpn8pitt

4-28-2015, 9:14 pm

All or nothing.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 9:17 pm

Especially with JHay...he seems to carry his rough streaks at the plate to the field.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 9:08 pm

Walkie making excuses now for the offense...

Florida Steeler

4-28-2015, 9:36 pm

What else is new?? Who is worse- him or Babble Mouth Brown??

steelag70

4-28-2015, 9:13 pm

Marte Partay!!!! About time!!

Parker

4-28-2015, 9:13 pm

Nice. Let's keep going now. Maybe the spark we need?

cmat0829

4-28-2015, 9:15 pm

Needed that. Marte gonna pile up the hrs this year.

Parker

4-28-2015, 9:17 pm

Locke needs a shutdown inning here.

Milo Hamilton

4-28-2015, 9:23 pm

He just needs to be shut down.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 9:23 pm

ZING!!

Parker

4-28-2015, 9:24 pm

Looks that way Milo. In trouble all night.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 9:25 pm

His starts keep getting shorter...

Parker

4-28-2015, 9:28 pm

So much for that. So needed an easy inning there. Very poor start.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 9:25 pm

Nice play by JHay.....

Milo Hamilton

4-28-2015, 9:27 pm

Even if he somehow gets out of this inning with no further damage, they need to hit for him next inning. Bryant is his last hitter whatever the outcome.

Milo Hamilton

4-28-2015, 9:29 pm

They don't think much of Bastardo do they ?

Milo Hamilton

4-28-2015, 9:32 pm

Of course, I remember him with the Phils having nasty stuff. Not anymore.

Radio wave

4-28-2015, 9:31 pm

No protection for the bullpen tonight

Florida Steeler

4-28-2015, 9:34 pm

Why in hell is Bastardo on this team?? He is awful.
Cubs will be very good down the road.

jtamm

4-28-2015, 9:34 pm

they left their real team in arizona

Parker

4-28-2015, 9:35 pm

So frustrating when you are unable to back up a positive inning. It is such a letdown for the team. I feel we have more runs in us, but I fear they do too.....

cmat0829

4-28-2015, 9:35 pm

The Pirates should all donate their game checks for tonight. Miser able performance.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 9:37 pm

Good news is it's only in the 4th....bad news is, it's only in the 4th...

steelag70

4-28-2015, 9:38 pm

I want to believe this team is better than last year's, but their play keeps giving me reasons to doubt.

Rob

4-28-2015, 9:39 pm

J Hay starting to look very average at 3B.

Parker

4-28-2015, 9:45 pm

.213 is a very slow start. He is an easy out right now. Still have faith, but needs to show a bit more patience.

Parker

4-28-2015, 9:44 pm

Cubs know what a shut down inning is.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 9:53 pm

Cubs know what clutch hitting is also.

Florida Steeler

4-28-2015, 9:44 pm

Is the mighty Kang hitting better than Barmes?? Media stunt signing.

Rob

4-28-2015, 9:46 pm

I really need to see Kang on first bus to Indy. How many balls has even hit to outfield, 5 or 6? If he is supposed to be Walker's replacement next year, we are in trouble.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 9:50 pm

He is basically an expensive Rule 5 player.

Florida Steeler

4-28-2015, 9:52 pm

Pirates won't spend money to get a quality Cuban player but buy one made in Taiwan or wherever. But, probably better than India???

steelag70

4-28-2015, 9:52 pm

This Bucco offense has shown little to no ability to come from behind this season.,.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 9:57 pm

Still waiting Cutch...

steelag70

4-28-2015, 9:59 pm

Wow....UNBELIEVEABLE....

steelag70

4-28-2015, 10:01 pm

That was AWFUL base running...

Florida Steeler

4-28-2015, 10:02 pm

Lazy, nonchalant effort.

bpn8pitt

4-28-2015, 10:11 pm

No, that ones on Sofield.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 10:19 pm

Maybe so bpn, but Hart can't jog back to third either. Bad play all around.

bpn8pitt

4-28-2015, 10:24 pm

To me Sofield should have known he had a guy with two surgically repaired knees coming. He put the stop on way too late. Should tell you about Harts legs he can't exactly dive or slide.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 10:26 pm

He has a hard time playing 1B too...

Parker

4-28-2015, 10:02 pm

Bad coaching played a part in that as well.

jtamm

4-28-2015, 10:02 pm

you can't do anything about being stupid

Milo Hamilton

4-28-2015, 10:03 pm

They have to lead the league in hits with a runner in scoring position that do not result in a run.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 10:05 pm

That is just inexcusable...

steelag70

4-28-2015, 10:06 pm

Still not sold on this bullpen.

bpn8pitt

4-28-2015, 10:15 pm

I don't see what everyone else sees in Liz. I just don't.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 10:18 pm

Me either bpn...the guy just is all over the place. Bastardo has seen his better days too. I do like Scahill though...

bpn8pitt

4-28-2015, 10:26 pm

Where's this 96 mph fastball? All I've seen is 92.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 10:30 pm

Apparently CH is going to sacrifice Liz tonight.

bpn8pitt

4-28-2015, 10:38 pm

Teams will be able to run all over Liz with that long stride to him too. Not to mention the slider in the dirt.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 10:41 pm

As with most of our pitchers...

bpn8pitt

4-28-2015, 10:19 pm

Whatever Robbie. Cervelli makes me miss Martins arm.

rrobertson27

4-28-2015, 10:20 pm

I don't understand why the pirates can't beat this team.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 10:23 pm

The Cubs are better hitters, they work the counts better and play better defense...

steelag70

4-28-2015, 10:21 pm

Bucks may be able to beat up on AZ and Mil, but so far they have struggled against everyone else...especially in the division.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 10:25 pm

This lineup makes Travis Wood look like Kershaw...

WVStarship

4-28-2015, 10:33 pm

I know, I know, it's early...but after watching the Cubs vs the Pirates these 6 games it makes me see that the Cubs are 10X better--right now. No way the Pirates are going to finish ahead of them this year In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Cubs win the division, last like many experts said. And the Bucs look like no better than 3rd, maybe 4th.

bpn8pitt

4-28-2015, 10:35 pm

We'll see. They still need pitching. I think the Lester contract will be an albatross.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 10:36 pm

I would have to agree with you WV...they are better clutch hitters, work the counts much better and are much more aggressive on the bases.

If they go out and get more pitching...look out.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 10:56 pm

They apparently have enough pitching to beat us bpn.

bpn8pitt

4-28-2015, 11:05 pm

No, that's just undisciplined Pirate hitters in April.

Weather warms up, wind starts blowing out, Wrigley won't be fun for Lester and Wood for sure.

ledtotheflood

4-28-2015, 11:28 pm

I agree. Cubs are at least a year away despite their talent and potential. The Pirates are a gritty and seasoned crew whose stars are due to break loose soon. We'll see where this pair of teams will be come the end of July.

bpn8pitt

4-28-2015, 10:33 pm

How do you say DP ball in Korean?

steelag70

4-28-2015, 10:37 pm

Haha

emoneypitt

4-28-2015, 10:42 pm

Nats beat the Braves in a squeaker, 13-12

Dan Uggla with a three run HR off of our old friend Jason "I think I'm God" Grilli.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 10:45 pm

A football game broke out in ATL I see...

emoneypitt

4-28-2015, 10:52 pm

That was the game winning hit, by the way, if anyone cares.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 10:42 pm

Mario Mendoza would be so proud of this Bucco lineup...

Reading

4-28-2015, 10:43 pm

Typical malaise game from the 20-year drought days. Getting pushed around by the Cubs. Cancel the parade.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 10:46 pm

The most alarming thing about this team so far is the lack of fundamentals showing up in bunches...

Big Daddy

4-28-2015, 11:01 pm

This team is starting to concern me big time - I know its still early but a lot of red flags are starting to show which I don't like.

bpn8pitt

4-28-2015, 11:06 pm

Catching(running game) and bullpen for me.

Offense may still come around.

Klamathmatt

4-29-2015, 12:34 am

This game was hard to watch...and it was interesting to me to see the cubs' killer instinct, especially on the bases, even late, they were pretty aggressive. With the cubs and reds taking advantage of the pirates weaknesses, 2-out scoring, something the pirates see

steelag70

4-28-2015, 11:03 pm

Buccos are 2-7 vs the division against teams not named Milwaukee.

emoneypitt

4-28-2015, 11:23 pm

Definitely not good.

steelag70

4-28-2015, 11:23 pm

And we haven't even played the Cards yet.

cdeardo

4-29-2015, 6:29 am

When are they going to come clean about Cutch? He has the mysterious Geno malady.

Seriously, if he needs surgery then avoiding it won't help anything. This could setup as one of those lost injury years that the Pens have had way too many of.

chethejet

4-29-2015, 7:35 am

The bucs are not hitting. It is an issue that they will have to overcome with pitching and defense. But this is not a team that will out slug anyone. To many close games will tax the bull Pen over time.

Tom Armstrong

4-29-2015, 8:38 am

Hoping that the Cubs don't become the Pirates "new Brewers" and that Wrigley become the "new house of horrors" Just saying...

Menofsteel87

4-29-2015, 10:00 am

This team will be fine. If it produces a strong, solid #4 pitcher. Worley is a # 5. Locke does not belong in the rotation. Same problems as last year.

bpn8pitt

4-29-2015, 10:09 am

Seems like it's going to be easier to swipe bases than the last two seasons. As I remember that was a big issue in 2012 that led to Martin's signing.

Not all of that is on the catcher. Add Burnett to Liriano, Liz ' s long kick, Caminero ' s inability to hold a guy on...Something to watch.

I'm not really sold on Melancon yet. Bastardo and Liz BB rate is a concern.

NMR

4-29-2015, 10:34 am

I don't know enough about who-is-responsible-for-what, but either the dugout or the catcher needs to start forcing pitchers to pay attention to the running game. Atrocious.

Groat2Maz2Strangeglove

4-29-2015, 11:19 am

Pitchers could start by quit allowing SO MANY BASERUNNERS!!!

Arriba Wilver

4-29-2015, 4:11 pm

They can't win much scoring 0-2 runs.

NMR

4-29-2015, 4:26 pm

And they're not going to score more than 0-2 runs when half the lineup is sporting a BABIP under .250.

That's obviously not going to last, though. "Regression" isn't the buzz word like it was a few years ago, but you can guarantee the Pirates offense has some coming...in the right direction.

I know I sound pollyannaish saying this coming off two ugly losses, but it's a *good* sign for this team to come out of April at .500 with the offense underperforming and two of their 3 best players last year contributing little to nothing. This club simply wouldn't have been able to weather a storm like that in the past.

frankkuchno

4-29-2015, 4:17 pm

Wanna speed up the game.....get rid of the fans.
Today in Baltimore.....6 pitchers.....10 runs.
2 hours and 3 minutes!

Cubs 6, Pirates 2

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Cubs 6, Pirates 2

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