May 05--The Cubs completed their first three-game sweep at PNC Park since Sept. 7-9, 2012, as John Lester threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings Wednesday, and Ben Zobrist ripped a three-run home run to pace a 6-2 victory over the Pirates.
At the plate:
Javier Baez rebounded from his 0-for-5 performance Tuesday with three hits, including an RBI double in the fifth. Anthony Rizzo went 7-for-14 in the series, and he hit his ninth home run in the seventh.
On the mound:
Lester loaded the bases with no outs in the fourth but struck out Gregory Polanco to complete his escape act. Lester changed speeds effectively to work out of jams in the fourth and fifth.
In the field:
Lester fielded a grounder by Francisco Cervelli, but the ball stuck in the webbing of his glove. Lester took several steps toward first before tossing his glove to Rizzo for the out. Catcher David Ross picked Sean Rodriguez off first base in the second.
Key number:
14 -- Innings pitched by the Pirates' starters in this three-game series.
The quote:
"It's good to get a feel for the rest of the division in spite of the fact we got injuries." -- Joe Maddon
Up next:
vs. Nationals at Wrigley Field, 7:05 p.m., CSN
