PIRATES

Carmen Mlodzinski simply gave the Pirates a chance to win in today's 2-0 victory over the Cubs here at Wrigley Field. While Shota Imanaga was on the other side carving up hitters over six no-hit innings, Mlodzinski limited damage and navigated his way through 5 1/3 scoreless innings. Mlodzinski saw nine baserunners reach on six hits and three walks, but he induced some big double play balls and found ways to constantly escape danger. 

"I felt like I was grinding a little bit there," Mlodzinski said. "The early season stuff for me is always a little difficult. Kind of takes me a little bit to find my role and to feel good and to feel connected. When you can have an outing where you kind of feel a little disconnected — three walks is not something I feel like I'm usually going to do, but you're able to put up zeroes and give us a chance to win. So yeah, just a step of growth, for sure. And I think that's super important as a starter. You've got to work with whatever you got that day and figure out a way to keep a team in the game." 

Mlodzinski did his part to keep the Pirates within reach and he did so by continuing his recent success against the Cubs. Mlodzinski's career ERA against the Cubs (1.40) in 25 2/3 innings ranks second among active pitchers with a minimum of 25 innings pitched. Only Aaron Civale has a better ERA (1.32) in 27 1/3 career innings against the Cubs. Others on that list include Chris Sale (1.59 ERA in 34 innings), Max Fried (1.76 ERA in 41 innings) and Josh Hader (1.88 ERA in 48 innings).

"Honestly, can't say there's any reason to it," Mlodzinski said. "I think Chicago is just a cool city. I think there's good vibes here. I don't know. I think maybe always kind of wanted to play at Wrigley as a kid against the CubsI don't know. Honestly, don't have a good answer for you there."