April 24--The summary
The Cubs could not hold a 4-1 lead as the Pirates rallied for four runs in the sixth and seventh innings to take a 5-4 victory Thursday and earn a split of their four-game series.
At the plate
Starlin Castro had two hits, but he grounded into a double play with the bases loaded to end the fifth. Rookie Addison Russell had an RBI double in the fourth but struck out in his next two at-bats.
On the mound
Kyle Hendricks allowed only three hits through five innings but was pulled quickly after allowing two doubles in the sixth.
In the field
Kris Bryant started in center field for the first time because Dexter Fowler was out with a tight right groin. Left fielder Chris Denorfia showed he's over hamstring injury with a diving catch to rob Andrew Lambo of an extra-base hit in the first. Catcher Welington Castillo committed two throwing errors.
Key number
7 -- Cubs who have batted in the seventh spot this season.
The quote
"We probably took the first two games away from them. They took the last two away from us. That's how the division is going to play this year." -- Cubs manager Joe Maddon
Up next
At Reds 6:10 p.m. Friday; CSN.
