April 23--Pirates 3, Cubs 1 (fourth inning)
The summary: Manager Joe Maddon hoped to get another heater in the dugout as the game-time temperature at Wednesday night's game between the Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates was 42 degrees. But that became a minor development as Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler was lifted in the top of the third due to right groin tightness as the Cubs trail Pittsburgh 3-1.
At the plate: Addison Russell ripped a single up the middle with one out in the third for his first major league hit, and Denorfia followed with a double but both runners were left stranded.
On the mound: Jason Hammel allowed three consecutive hits to start the second, but only one ball was hit hard. That was an RBI double off the right field wall by Francisco Cervelli that scored the first of two runs in the inning.
In the field: Shortstop Starlin Castro bobbled a grounder by Andrew McCutchen to start the third that led to a run.
Key number: 7 -- Cubs players on the disabled list.
The quote: "You just can't haphazardly throw guys out there too soon because it may hurt you in the latter part of the game, no question." Maddon
Up next:
at Pirates,11:35 p.m. Thursday. CSN.
