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PITTSBURGH – It didn’t have the atmosphere of a postseason Wild Card Game and it certainly didn’t mean as much, but Thursday’s game at PNC Park ended up being one manager Clint Hurdle will treasure for a while.
“For me, it was one of the best team wins since I’ve been here,” he said after the Pirates 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs.
It’s a strange claim considering the Pirates had already captured numerous thrilling wins in Hurdle’s five years as manager.
There is, of course, the Wild Card win over the Cincinnati Reds on Oct. 1, 2013, as well as Sept. 23 of that year when the Pirates clinched a playoff berth on the road in Chicago. Plus, since Hurdle has been in charge, the Pirates have won 32 games in walk-off fashion, with 10 occurring just last season.
But in Hurdle’s eyes, Thursday was one of the best. A regular season game, in April, that brought Pittsburgh’s record to 8-8 on the year.
“For what we had and what we trotted out there and how we were able to battle, it was one of the best,” Hurdle said.
The Pirates played without outfielders Andrew McCutchen and Starling Marte in the starting lineup; Sean Rodriguez and Andrew Lambo filled in. Chris Stewart played in just his third game of the season, starting at catcher as Francisco Cervelli had a scheduled day off.
It was an unconventional lineup, but not necessarily one that lacked the necessary talent to win at the major league level.
“You prepare for your future through your past,” Hurdle said. “We have past experiences that we believe the team we put out on the field is in a good position to win the ballgame. We trust one another and trust the guys that are available. The mindset is meeting the demands of the game.”
The Pirates not only met the demands, they exceeded them.
After falling behind 2-0 in the second inning, Rodriguez rose to the occasion to get the Pirates on the board in bottom half with a solo home run.
Chicago tacked on another run in the fourth, but were shut down when rookie Addison Russell was caught stealing at third base on a laser of a throw by Stewart. Stewart also threw out Chris Denorfia attempting to steal at second base in the seventh inning.
In the fifth inning, the Cubs went up 4-1 and threatened to score again with the bases loaded and one out. Starting pitcher Jeff Locke forced Starlin Castro, who hit 8 for 14 with a home run and five RBI in the series, to ground into a 6-4-3 double play.
“If we don’t get that double play, I’m not sure we win,” Hurdle said.
From there, Pirates relief pitchers Radhames Liz, Arquimedes Caminero and Mark Melancon faced the minimum.
Melancon polished off the Cubs in order in the ninth inning to earn his third save of the season after blowing a three-run lead against Chicago on Tuesday.
“I believe in guys and it’s good to see,” Hurdle said. “It’s all a confidence-builder – everybody could use some. He was the guy for that inning and was quick, efficient and effective.”
As for confidence, the Pirates have gained a lot after going 6-4 in the first homestand of the season.
“We gained a lot of team chemistry,” Rodriguez said. “A lot of guys are clicking on the same cylinder. That’s when you start to roll and get some wins.”
The Pirates have hit home runs in seven-straight games and are third in the National League with 17 home runs.
“Our team has a little bit of everything and there’s a lot that we bring to the table,” Rodriguez said.
As for Thursday’s win being one of the best in his tenure with the Pirates, third baseman Josh Harrison said every one is equally enjoyable.
“We have faith in the guys that play each day,” Harrison said. “Whoever is out there is going to give it all they got.”