Harrison leads Pirates over Cubs
PITTSBURGH - Josh Harrison started Pittsburgh's first triple play at home in 21 years and hit a tying two-run double in a six-run fifth inning Sunday that helped the Pirates rally past the Cubs 7-3.
Edinson Volquez (12-7) improved to 4-0 in his last 10 starts for the Pirates, who began the day with a 1 1/2-game lead over Milwaukee for the NL's second wild card.
Pittsburgh improved to 14-5 against Chicago this year, winning all six series, and eliminated the Cubs from playoff contention. Chicago has not won the World Series since 1908 and hasn't even reached the postseason since 2008.
Chicago led 3-0 and put runners on first and second in the fourth when Matt Szczur grounded to third. Harrison started an around-the-horn 5-4-3 triple play, throwing to second baseman Neil Walker, who relayed to first baseman Andrew Lambo.
Pittsburgh had not turned a triple play since April 12, 2009, against Cincinnati's Edwin Encarnacion by left fielder Jack Wilson, second baseman Freddy Sanchez and first baseman Adam LaRoch. The Pirates had not accomplished the feat at home since Aug. 10, 1993, at Three Rivers Stadium against St. Louis by shortstop Jay Bell, second baseman Carlos Garcia and first baseman Kevin Young, who doubled up future Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith.
Volquez allowed three runs - one earned - four hits and five walks in seven innings. He has his most victories in a year since winning 17 for Cincinnati in 2008.
Jacob Turner (5-10) gave up seven runs, seven hits and three walks in 4 1-3 innings.
Chicago went ahead in the second on a run-scoring throwing error by Volquez and John Baker's sacrifice fly, then made it 3-0 in the third on Chris Coghlan's sacrifice fly after catcher Russell Martin's throwing error on Javier Baez's steal of second.
Walker hit his 20th homer in the fourth. After Harrison's double, Travis Snider and Walker hit RBI doubles, and Gaby Sanchez and Gregory Polanco added run-scoring singles.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Pittsburgh OF Starling Marte played for the first time since he was removed Thursday with left elbow discomfort. He entered as a defensive replacement in the eighth. ... Chicago 1B Anthony Rizzo (lower back strain) and SS Starlin Castro (left ankle sprain) didn't play. Rizzo is expected to return Monday while Castro hasn't played since Sept. 2.
UP NEXT
Cubs: Chicago hosts Cincinnati in a three-game series, with LHP Travis Wood (8-12) opposing Reds RHP Alfredo Simon (14-10).
Pirates: Pittsburgh continues its final homestand of the regular season with three game games Boston.
RHP Charlie Morton is to start for the Pirates on Tuesday. Morton was placed on the 15-day disabled list Aug. 17 with right hip inflammation, two days after he lasted three innings against Washington. RHP Anthony Ranaudo is slated for Boston (3-2).