Rodriguez has positive start in throwing 93 pitches in 3-2 loss to Cubs

PITTSBURGH 3 – CHICAGO 2

Win Jason Hammel (1-0)

Loss: Wandy Rodriguez (0-1)

Save: Pedro Strop (1)

The Pirates (2-1) bats were silent in a 3-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs (1-2) on Thursday afternoon. Cubs starter Jason Hammel allowed 2 hits, and 1 run in 6.2 innings pitched. The Pirates only offense came from Tony Sanchez who hit a two-run single in the bottom of the 7th to get the Pirates back in the game.

• Wandy Rodriguez had a positive start throwing 93 pitches in 6 innings. He allowed 5 hits and 3 runs in 6 innings pitched. Rodriguez struck out 5 and walked 1. He struggled early but came on strong in his final three innings, retiring 10 of the last 11 batters he faced. “{Wandy} finished up very efficiently, very strong, a very good outing,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. “A big confidence boost for him and a momentum builder.” Rodriguez is a huge wildcard for the Pirates this season.
• Edison Volquez threw two scoreless innings in relief. Volquez showed good stuff and threw 21 strikes on 28 pitches. Volquez allowed 1 hit and struck out 2. The key for Volquez was no walks. Possible confidence builder for him going into Sunday’s start.
• Cubs CF Emilio Bonifacio went 2-4 with a double and 2 runs scored. Bonifacio went 11-16 in the three game series.