The Pirates’ first game with fans in PNC Park’s stands in 557 days was spoiled by a trio of homers from the Cubs, resulting in a 4-2 Pirates loss Thursday afternoon.
The deciding blow came from Javier Baez, who was able to club a low Tyler Anderson changeup into the bleachers in left, giving the Cubs the lead for good in the sixth.
Anderson (0-2) went deeper into a game -- 5 ⅓ innings -- than any Pirates starter this season, albeit in a losing effort. He allowed 10 hits, including the two home runs, and struck out five.
Kris Bryant put the Cubs on the board with a first inning homer, and Anthony Rizzo tacked on an insurance run in the eighth on the first pitch from Sam Howard.
The Pirates’ only runs both came in the fourth via some aggressive base running. After a successful hit-and-run put runners on the corners, catcher Jacob Stallings was able to move up from first to second on a Dustin Fowler sacrifice fly. Two batters later, he came in to score on a two-out Adam Frazier base hit.
In the eighth three straight walks from Dan Winkler loaded the bases for the Pirates with one out, but the Cubs turned to closer Craig Kimbrel early, and he got Fowler and pinch-hitter Wilmer Difo to wave at strike three.
Cubs starter Jake Arrieta (2-0) allowed two runs on seven hits and three walks over six innings. Kimbrel retired all five batters he faced and picked up his second save of the season.
Mars, Pa. native David Bednar made his home debut with the Pirates in the eighth inning. Bryan Reynolds made a diving catch in left on the only pitch Bednar threw.
The Pirates are off Friday and will return Saturday. Mitch Keller (0-1, 9.00) will take on Zach Davies (1-0, 3.18) in a rematch of Sunday’s contest. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.