Post-Game Wrapup: Bullpen waste solid outing from Maholm

W: S. Marshall (1-0)

L: E. Meek (0-1)

S: C. Marmol (1)

Post-Game Wrapup: Through two games, the Pittsburgh Pirates could not ask for better starting pitching than they got from Kevin Correia on Friday and Paul Maholm this afternoon.

The disappointment for the Pirates is that they let Paul Maholm’s outing go to waste this afternoon.

Maholm pitched into the 7th inning, allowing 5 hits and 0 runs, leaving the game with 2 outs in the 7th with a 3-0 lead.

Maholm and reliever Jose Veras combined for 0 hits and 0 runs in the bottom of the 7th. Maholm had a stat line of 6.2 inning pitched, 5 hits, 0 runs, 3 strikeouts and 2 walks.

The bullpen wasn’t able to hold onto the league and with 6 outs to go and leading 3-0, 2010 All-Star Evan Meek couldn’t close the door and imploded, allowing 3 hits and 5 runs (2 earned) in a 5-run 8th for the Cubs who took a 5-3 lead.

Cubs closer Carlos Marmol pitched a 1-2-3 inning in the 9th to earn his 1st save of the season, striking out Ryan Doumit, Garrett Jones and Ronny Cedeno.

Offensively for the Pirates, Pedro Alvarez (1), Neil Walker (5), and Garrett Jones (1) drove in RBI’s for the Pirates.

Jones hit a solo home run in the 7th inning off Carlos Zambrano with 0 on and 0 Out. Zambrano allowed 5 hits and 3 runs in 6 innings pitched.

The Pirates had just 5 hits but through two games have made timely hits. The Pirates though were 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

Andrew McCutchen (0-3) and Lyle Overbay (0-3) were a combined 0-for-6 today in the 3-4 hole.

Jose Tabata scored 2 runs and was effective at the top of the lineup getting on base.

Ross Ohlendorf will take the mound for the Pirates tomorrow afternoon.

Notes

Top pitching prospects Jameson Taillon and Stetson Allie will begin the season in extended spring training, Pirates GM Neal Huntington said today…..

On the injury front, reliever Joe Beimel (arm) threw a live batting session today….

Starter catcher Chris Synder whose sidelined with a bad back, caught Beimel’s live session….

Starter James McDonald threw a scheduled bullpen session today…..