|
 Cole's league-leading 11th victory belonged to everyone in the
clubhouse, not just himself.
"It's a testament to how well we've played when I take the mound,"
Cole said. "I take pride in going out there and competing every
fifth day. But at the same time, those guys are giving me everything
they've got out there. It's more of a team stat than an individual
stat."
Name a statistic, and it probably is a good one for the Pirates
these days.
Pittsburgh (39-27) extended its season-high winning streak to eight
games while completing its eighth series sweep of the season -- the
most in the majors. The last time the Pirates won eight consecutive
games was from June 26 to July 3, 2004.
Cole (11-2) was the biggest reason for the latest victory. He had
command of his fastball, and he used it to limit the White Sox to
two runs on three hits. He walked three and struck out four.
Pirates catcher Chris Stewart marveled at Cole's performance on the
mound. In his last six starts, Cole is 6-0 with a 1.06 ERA.
"That's special," Stewart said. "He's got tremendous stuff. I think
everybody knows that. But I think what has separated him this year
from the past is his mentality out there on the mound. He knows how
to attack the hitters. He knows when he needs to reach back and get
that extra velocity, and he knows when he doesn't need to do it. He
makes big pitches in big situations."
The White Sox (28-37) lost their seventh consecutive game and scored
just five runs in their past five. The team squandered a quality
start by right-hander Jeff Samardzija, who limited the Pirates to
two runs in seven innings.
Samardzija remained winless since May 22. He scattered 10 hits while
walking none and striking out seven.
"We've got to be able to put up more (runs) than that," White Sox
manager Robin Ventura said. "I thought Jeff pitched well tonight. He
pitched well enough to win, and their guy pitched well, too. We
couldn't get anything going offensively."
White Sox right-hander Jake Petricka (1-2) drew the loss out of the
bullpen.
Pirates closer Mark Melancon pitched a scoreless ninth for his 23rd
save.
"We're just us," said Pirates second baseman Josh Harrison, who went
2-for-4 with an RBI. "We have fun. We've got a loose clubhouse where
everybody pulls for each other. We're having fun enjoying the game."
Pirates right fielder Gregory Polanco drove in the go-ahead run in
the eighth inning to make it 3-2. With runners at first and third
base and one out, Polanco hit a soft ground ball to the right side
of the infield that scored third baseman Jung Ho Kang.
[to top of second column] |
One inning earlier, the White Sox evened the score at 2-2 on a home
run by catcher Geovany Soto.
The Pirates grabbed a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning. Kang drove in
his 25th run on a sharp ground ball that deflected off Samardzija's
glove and rolled free.
The White Sox evened the score at 1 in the bottom of the fourth on a
sacrifice fly by left fielder Melky Cabrera that scored first
baseman Jose Abreu, who doubled and advanced to third base on a fly
ball by designated hitter Adam LaRoche.
Pittsburgh regained a 2-1 edge in the fifth after Samardzija loaded
the bases with two singles and a hit batter. Harrison put the
Pirates on top with a sacrifice fly to center field.
"It was a battle out there," Samardzija said. "I wanted to come out
there and have a good strong outing and give our team a chance to
win. Unfortunately, it didn't turn out that way, but we fought out
there. We were going against a pretty darn good pitcher there in
Cole, who is in his prime. He looks really good."
NOTES: White Sox RHP Scott Carroll was recalled from Triple-A
Charlotte before Thursday's game. Carroll, 30, went 1-1 with a 3.12
ERA in eight relief appearances with the White Sox in April and May.
He will go to the bullpen as a long reliever and possible spot
starter, manager Robin Ventura said. ... Pirates 2B Neil Walker did
not start because of a stomach ailment. Teammate Josh Harrison took
Walker's place at second base. ... The White Sox designated RHP
Hector Noesi for assignment. Noesi, 28, is 0-4 with a 6.89 ERA in 10
games, including five starts. ... Pirates LF Starling Marte returned
to the lineup after tweaking his left ankle a day earlier. Marte
left Wednesday's game in the ninth inning after appearing to injure
the ankle while stepping on first base.
[© 2015 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
Copyright 2015 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
