Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Starlin Castro hit a three-run home run and
drove in four, leading the Chicago Cubs to a 7-4 victory over the Pittsburgh
Pirates in the opener of a four-game set.
Anthony Rizzo knocked in a pair of runs and Luis Valbuena scored three times
for the Cubs, who have won six of their last seven.
Chris Rusin (1-2) did enough to earn the win, limiting the visitors to two
runs and four hits over five-plus innings. He fanned six and didn't walk a
batter.
Carlos Marmol turned in a scoreless ninth for his 20th save.
Pedro Alvarez knocked in two runs, while Andrew McCutchen homered and Gaby
Sanchez added an RBI for the Pirates, who extended their season-high win
streak to seven games.
James McDonald (12-8) didn't make it out of the fourth, charged with five hits
and four runs with four walks over 3 2/3 frames.
The Sports Network