For the third time in as many games, the winner of the Cubs-Pirates game had a comeback victory. Matt Garza made his first start for Chicago, and looks like a solid number three starter. He gave up three runs but struck out a career high 12 batters. The twelve K’s were the most for any Cubs starter debut since 1957.
Garza was in line for the win after Alfonoso Soriano clubbed a home run to give the Cubs the lead in the sixth inning. Unfortunately Carlos Marmol was shaky and couldn’t close out the save in the ninth. Marmol gave up a walk and a single to open the inning. The runners advanced on a perfectly executed sacrifice bunt. An infield single by Pedro Alvarez, which Marmol just narrowly missed fielding, was misplayed by Starlin Castro and Carlos Pena, leading to both Pirates runners scoring. The Cubs couldn’t tie the game in the bottom, and in a re-run of 2010, Pittsburgh walked away with another series victory.
The Cubs next host Arizona at 1:20 P.M. on Monday afternoon.