Chicago, IL (Sports Network) – Jose Tabata doubled in the go-ahead run in the ninth inning, as Pittsburgh took a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs to snap a 17-game road losing streak.
The Pirates had not won away from home since May 25 at Cincinnati. They had also lost six in a row overall, all on the road.
Paul Maholm (5-6) was excellent in helping Pittsburgh get the victory in the opener of this three-game series, as he gave up one run on seven hits in eight innings. He did not walk a batter and struck out two as he rebounded from his start Wednesday, when he allowed seven runs (five earned) in one inning against Texas.
Octavio Dotel pitched a scoreless ninth for his 15th save.
Andrew Cashner (0-2) allowed the go-ahead run to reach base and took the loss for the Cubs, who were coming off Sunday’s win over the White Sox. The Cubs have not won back-to-back games since June 16-17.