Bryant lifts Cubs over Pirates
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Pittsburgh, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - Kris Bryant went 3-for-4 with three RBI and a run scored in the Chicago Cubs' 5-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday.
Bryant's two-run double in the seventh broke a 1-1 tie for the Cubs, who improved to 7-5 on the young season. Jorge Soler went 4-for-5 with two runs scored.
Jake Arrieta (2-1) got the start for Chicago and gave up one run on four hits over seven innings. The right-hander struck out seven and walked none.
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Starling Marte hit a solo homer in the ninth for the Pirates, who swept the Brewers in three games over the weekend. Andrew McCutchen went 2-for-4 with an RBI.
Pittsburgh starter A.J. Burnett allowed one run on eight hits over six innings. Arquimedes Caminero (0-1) took the loss after giving up three runs -- two earned -- on two hits in the seventh.
The Cubs broke a 1-1 tie by scoring three runs in the seventh. After recording two quick outs, Caminero gave up a double to Soler. Anthony Rizzo walked before Bryant cleared the bases with a double to left-center field. Bryant took third on the throw home and scored on catcher Francisco Cervelli's error.
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"I don't think I've ever had one of those," Bryant said. "It was a little league home run. It was pretty fun."
Chicago scored another run off Antonio Bastardo in the eighth. Pinch-hitter Chris Denorfia singled, moved to second when pinch-hitter Welington Castillo grounded out and crossed the plate on Jonathan Herrera's single.
Marte homered off Zac Rosscup in the ninth.
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After a 28-minute delay before the start of the game caused by rain, the Pirates jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first. Gregory Polanco singled, stole second and raced home on McCutchen's single to right. McCutchen moved to third on Neil Walker's double to left-center field, but got caught between third and home on Marte's grounder back to the pitcher. Pedro Alvarez lined out to end the inning.
The game was delayed again in the top of the second after a woman was hit in the back of the head by a foul ball. The incident occurred right behind home plate as the fan appeared to be finding her seat.
The Pirates issued the following update: "During the top of the second inning a female fan was struck in the head with a foul ball. After initial treatment by PNC Park and Pittsburgh EMS personnel, she was placed on a stretcher, moved to a nearby ambulance and brought to the hospital for further treatment. She was conscious and alert at the time of transport, graciously thanking her caregivers while giving a 'thumbs up' gesture to nearby fans.
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"Our thoughts and prayers are with her. We will share additional information as it becomes available."
The Cubs tied things up in the fifth. Soler hit a two-out single, moved to second when Rizzo was hit by a pitch and crossed the plate on Bryant's single to right. Miguel Montero followed with a single to left-center field that initially resulted in Rizzo beating out a throw to the plate. Rizzo was eventually called out after both managers challenged the call.
Game Notes
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The Pirates went 14-5 versus the Cubs last season ... Chicago started a seven- game road trip on Monday ... Arrieta improved to 4-0 lifetime against Pittsburgh.