Normally a series loss is a bad thing and no one should be thrilled with this result, but winning game three really felt like a huge win for the Pirates. For most of the game it seemed like everyone was waiting for the Cubs to get the big hit and steal the game, but the Pirates endured and battled through getting no hit through six innings to get the hit and steal the game and most importantly avoided being swept again by the Cubs.
Because of his slow start there were some fans questioning Gerrit Cole’s status as an ace pitcher, but when the team needed him to shove, he shoved. He shut the Cubs down for all eight of his innings and a lot of people were disappointed he didn’t get a chance to finish the game, but winning is the most important thing and the Pirates walked away with a win. Mark Melancon wasn’t his sharpest, but he got the job done and closed out a much needed win.
After the game, Cole was the center of a mini-controversy when he said he didn’t think the Cubs were the best team in baseball. Plenty of Cubs fans were angry about the comment, and to that I say good! Part of being an ace is having swagger and the Cubs have been the vastly superior team so far in 2016, but I don’t want any athlete to bow to another team. Cole is the ace and leader of the pitching staff, so what do you want him to say? He isn’t here to crown the Cubs and call them the best team in the league, he is here to win and I hope his comments inspire the Pirates to play with a bit more confidence the next time the Pirates play the Cubs.
The Pirates finished their eight game road trip going 4-4 against the Cardinals, Reds and Cubs. Not the best road trip, but far from disastrous. The team returns home to play a fairly light part of their schedule as they begin a home stand against the Atlanta Braves as Jon Niese takes on Williams Perez. First pitch is at 7:05pm.
Series Result: Pirates lose 2-1
2016 win/loss record: 19-17
2016 series record: 6-5-1
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