The Chicago Cubs won a pitchers duel 1-0 last night to open a four-game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Mt. Lebanon native Ian Happ hit a fourth inning home run off Pirates starting pitcher Ivan Nova for the games only run. Nova pitched into the seventh inning, allowing seven hits and did not walk a batter. His record fellt o 7-7. Cubs Starter Jon Lester allowed five hits, did not walk a batter and struck out eight in the victory. The loss dropped the Pirates 10-games behind the Cubs in the National League Central Division. The Bucs have fallen back to .500 at 61-61 overall. They are now tied with San Francisco and Washington, all 6-1/2 games behind in the Wild Card race.
The Pirates host the Cubs again tonight at 7:05pm. WISR pre-game is 6:40pm. Trevor Williams will start for the Pirates. Cole Hamels will start for the Cubs.
Jordy Mercer has been placed on the 10-day disabled list because of a left calf strain, so the Pirates have called up former number-one draft pick Kevin Newman from Indianapolis. Newman is leading the International League in runs and steals, and was currently fifth with a .302 batting average. He has 28 stolen bases this season. He made his major league debut in the field late in last night’s game.
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