J-Bell, Redbeard, Fraze & the Gang Light It Up In 18-5 Win Over the Cubbies

Willy worked a clean first. Fraze opened with a single that was misplayed in center, sending him to second before Bryan Reynolds walked. Starling singled home a run, and then trotted home ahead of J-Bell's three-run blast to right center. After an out, Redbeard singled and JHK was plunked. Eli K'ed on a 3-2 pitch; a little discipline would have gotten him aboard, too. Adbert Alzolay fanned Willy, who at least swung at strikes, to end a 35-pitch opener. Javy Baez got a run back with a bomb of his own in the second. Fraze doubled, and two outs later, guess who went pop-go-the-weasel again, this time over the Clemente Wall? Seems like Josh is pumped anticipating the HR Derby. Corey D followed with a rap and Redbeard knocked him home with an opp field two-bagger; pretty good answer inning. The Cubs got a two-out walk in the third. Eli and Bryan Reynolds singled, bringing in Brad Bach, who got Starling to line out.

Archie is the only pitcher to cool off J-Bell tonight - photo Pittsburgh Pirates

Anthony Rizzo started the fourth with ground rule double, After a well-stroked out, a walk and infield knock jammed the sacks. Another single plated a pair, though Starling did throw out a runner at third. A bopped batter and another knock, by the pitcher,  made it 7-4. A walk loaded the bags again before the gate was shut, with Williams at 76 pitches. With two outs, the bases were juiced after J-Bell and Redbeard singles followed by a work-around walk to Eli. Clint let Willy bat, and holy moly, he knocked in a run with a slap to right. Fraze doubled in two more before the merry-go-round ride ended. Willy gave up a two-out knock in the fifth but no more bloodshed; JHK made a glovely play at short to keep him out of trouble. Rowan Wick climbed the hill. Starling walked, Corey D doubled him home and Redbeard's rap chased him in before JHK bounced into a DP to halt the action. Three straight two-out singles in the sixth brought in a marker for the Cubs; Michael Feliz came in to douse the flames.

Fitting that the 2B'man should spent so much time at second - photo Pittsburgh Pirates

Steve Brault pinch hit for Feliz and singled; a Fraze double and Reynolds bouncer got the run back. Chris Stratton got the seventh and was tagged for a two-out single. Utilityman Daniel Descalso took the hill as Maddon opted to not burn any more arms, and after getting two outs was banged for a double by Redbeard and homer by JHK. Stratton had an easy pop up, single, 4-6-3 DP, eighth. Craig Kimbrel plucked the short-straw, and Joey O greeted him with a long fly that landed in the center field shrubbery. Fraze doubled and two outs later, J-Bell drilled another over the fence to earn himself a curtain call. Dovy Neverauskas came out for the ninth; he stranded a couple and fanned a couple. Time to raise the Roger.

Well, won't go doubting Clint's batting orders anytime soon again. Willy picked a good night to take off, giving up a five spot in 5-2/3 IP and still claiming the win. Great win after the offense sputtered against Milwaukee, but still the Bucs are in a position where they have to start taking some series, especially within the division. They sure got off on the right foot tonight.

Redbeard is quietly hitting .286 - photo Pittsburgh Pirates

Notes: 

• J-Bell's three-homer night was the first by a LH Pirates hitter since Willie Stargell in 1971 against Atlanta. His seven RBI's are his career high. It was a five hit night for Fraze, another high-water mark. His four doubles not only set a personal record, but tied the team (Paul Waner) and MLB record. Colin Moran collected a career-high five hits. 
• All 11 Pirates who batted had a hit tonight; the team posted 23 knocks, 12 for extra bases. 10 ot the 18 Bucco tallies were chased home by two-out raps.
• Pity on such a nice night that only 17,772 showed up at the yard, and many of those were Cub fans.
• Per Cory Giger of the Altoona Mirror, RHP James Marvel (9-5/3.16) was promoted to Indy. Here's the Mirror's Tyler King's look at him.
• Fourth-round pick JC Flowers, RHP from Florida State, signed for $500K (slot value was $460K), per MLB.com's Jim Callis. SS Ethan Paul of Vandy (#9 pick) announced that he signed a deal too; no details available.