Pirates' Extra-Inning Loss
Cubs Edge Pirates 3-2 in Extra Innings Despite Jared Jones' Dominant Start
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The Pittsburgh Pirates dropped a heartbreaker at PNC Park on Friday, falling 3-2 to the Chicago Cubs in extra innings. The loss came despite a brilliant outing from starter Jared Jones, who gave Pittsburgh every chance to win. The Olympian reported that the game ended when reliever Yohan Ramirez walked Seiya Suzuki with the bases loaded, handing Chicago the deciding run.
The Cubs took the opener of a three-game series in Pittsburgh. The two teams meet again Saturday at 6:40 p.m. ET.
Jared Jones Dominates But Gets No Win
Jones was sharp from the first pitch. He threw six dominant innings and held the Cubs in check throughout his start. According to Fresno Bee, Jones now has a 1.00 ERA across his four July starts. That number is one of the best marks in baseball for any starter this month.
A 1.00 ERA means Jones has given up just one earned run per nine innings in July. Despite that elite performance, Pittsburgh's offense and bullpen could not hold on. Jones left with a chance to win. The game slipped away after he was gone.
Bullpen Cracks in Extra Innings
Pittsburgh's bullpen held the Cubs scoreless for several innings after Jones exited. But the dam broke in extras. Ramirez came on to pitch and could not find the strike zone when it mattered most. He walked Suzuki with the bases loaded, forcing in the go-ahead run, Kansas.com reported.
A bases-loaded walk is one of the most avoidable ways to lose a game. The Pirates did not give up a hard hit to lose. They simply could not throw a strike at the worst moment. The final score was 3-2, and Pittsburgh had little to show for Jones' effort.
Pirates Offense Struggles to Support Jones
Pittsburgh scored twice but could not push across any more runs over 10 innings. The Pirates had Jones pitching at his best, yet the lineup went quiet. Mahoning Matters noted that the offense was unable to support Jones during the final stretch of the game.
Two runs should be enough when your starter posts a gem. But the Cubs tied the game and forced extras, and Pittsburgh's bats went cold at the wrong time. The Pirates left a chance to grab an early series lead sitting on the table.
Jones Set to Face Cubs Ace Imanaga on Saturday
The Pirates and Cubs play again Saturday at 6:40 p.m. ET. Pittsburgh is expected to send Jones back out — or line him up soon — against Chicago left-hander Shota Imanaga, according to Myrtle Beach Online. Imanaga has been one of the Cubs' top starters this season.
That matchup sets up as a marquee pitching duel. Jones has been nearly unhittable in July. Imanaga is a crafty lefty who relies on sharp movement and command. Pittsburgh will need to score more than two runs if it wants to avoid falling behind in the series.
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