The Chicago Cubs (15-31) kept the game close, but could not overcome the Pittsburgh Pirates (22-24) to snap their ever-growing losing streak.
Since Tuesday, May 15, the Cubs have averaged 2.6 runs, while allowing 5.4 runs per game. The net result has been an 11-game losing streak. On Saturday night, SP Paul Maholm got the start and pitched only 5 frames, but held the Pirates to 2 runs on 4 hits, 5 walks and 2 strikeouts. The Cubs bullpen then added three scoreless frames from RP Casey Coleman (1.0 IP, 2 K) and RP Shawn Camp (2.0 IP, 2 K, 1 BB, 1 H).
But in the bottom of the ninth inning, CL Rafael Dolis (L, 2-4) allowed 1 hit and 2 walks, and eventually worked a 2-2 count against 1B Matt Hague. But Dolis's 96 mph fastball got away from him, pegging Hague with the bases loaded for a game-ending hit-by-pitch. RP Joel Hanrahan (W, 2-0) gets the win after a silent top of the ninth.
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue and Pirates blog Bucs Dugout. For more from around Major League Baseball, visit Baseball Nation.