Pittsburgh Pirates series takeaways vs. Chicago Cubs

Aug 4, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher J.A. Happ (32) delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Game Two: J.A. Happ (4-6, 4.64 ERA) vs. Jake Arrieta (11-6, 2.62 ERA)

Result: Pirates lose 5-0

Winning Pitcher: Jake Arrieta (12-6, 2.50 ERA)

Losing Pitcher: J.A. Happ (4-7, 4.78 ERA)

• What went right:
  • Starling Marte had a two-hit ball game. He went 2-4.
  • Andrew McCutchen reached based three times. He went 1-2 with two walks.
  • Arquimedes Caminero had another scoreless inning, continuing his streak of strong appearances. He went 2.1 innings, allowed no runs on three hits and struck out six.
  • Antonio Bastardo had a scoreless outing, going one inning and allowing no hits and a walk.

• What went wrong:
  • J.A. Happ did not have a very strong first start as a Pirate, going 4.1 innings, allowing four runs on eight hits and struck out eight.
  • Anthony Rizzo continued to be a Pirate killer, going 4-5 with two runs scored.
  • Jorge Soler had a pretty big game, going 1-3 with two RBIs and two walks.
  • Chris Denorfia had a surprisingly big game, going 3-6 with a run scored.

J.A. Happ did not have a very effective Pirates’ debut as the Pirates were pretty hapless in the ball game. They looked to respond and earn a series split with Jeff Locke on the mound.

Next: Game Three: Jeff Locke vs. Dan Haren