Pirates snap skid behind Keller, big second inning taken at PNC Park (Pirates)

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Phillip Evans.

After hanging in there by fouling off a couple changeups, Colin Moran watched another Zach Davies sinker go by. The previous two missed the low, outside corner, and this one did as well. Ball four.

Nine batters later, Moran drove a two-run single to right to cap a seven run second-inning rally, which was more than enough for the Pirates to snap their six-game losing streak in an 8-2 win over the Cubs Saturday night.

Jacob Stallings plated the first two runs on a bases loaded single, followed by two-out doubles by Adam Frazier and Bryan Reynolds before Moran’s base knock.

Not only was it the Pirates’ largest rally of the season, it was more than they had scored in any game.

Cubs starter Zach Davies (1-1) was pulled before the inning was through, being charged with all seven runs.

Mitch Keller (1-1) was able to overcome his early season control problems and limit himself to just one walk in his five innings. He allowed one run on five hits, and struck out seven. It was just the third time this season a Pirates starter pitched at least five innings, the other two coming in Tyler Anderson’s starts. 

Phillip Evans added an insurance run in the sixth on a solo shot to center. He would finish 2-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored. Moran went 2-for-3 with two walks, and Frazier had a multi-hit performance as well.

The only Pirate starter who did not drive in or score a run was Anthony Alford, who went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts.

The Pirates and Cubs will play the rubber match of their three game set Sunday. Trevor Williams (1-0, 3.00) will make his return to PNC Park, and will square off against his former teammate, JT Brubaker (0-0, 2.25). First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m.

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