The Cubs ended their longest losing streak of the season by beating the Pirates 6-5.
The Cubs scored first with a Russell 2 run single in the first. Pittsburgh came back in the second with a Rodriguez 450 foot home run, followed by a Fryer RBI double and Jaso RBI single to take a 3-2 lead. The Cubs tied the game back up in the third with a Contreras RBI. The Pirates scored in the bottom of the third on a McCutchen solo home run to take a 4-3 lead. The Cubs took the lead back with a Almora Jr two run home run. The Pirates tied the game at 5 in the bottom of the seventh with a McCutchen sacrifice. The Cubs took the lead with a Bryant RBI single in the eighth to make it 6-5.
Both starting pitchers got no decisions. Cubs starter John Lackey gave up 5 runs on 7 hits while striking out 9 and walking 2 over 6 innings. Strop got the win in relief. Pittsburgh starter Niese gave up 5 runs on 8 hits while striking out 3 and walking 2 over 3 and 2/3 innings. Watson took the loss in relief.
The Cubs end the first half of the season with a record of 53-35. The Cubs have a 7 game lead in the NL Central. The Cubs are back in action Friday against the Rangers. Game starts at 1:20.