Cubs win third game in a row and sweep the Pirates

The Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates for the third day in a row Sunday afternoon, which also completed the series sweep.  This was the Cubs first series win since August 1-4, 2011 in Pittsburgh, coincidentally.

Chris Rusin started for the Cubs and allowed one run on five hits while striking out four batters and walking three over five innings pitched.

Third baseman Josh Vitters homered in the fourth inning to break his 0-for-27 streak.  Catcher Anthony Recker then hit his first major league homer in the same inning to give the Cubs a 2-1 lead. 

James Russell balked in the seventh inning which allowed the Pirates to tie the game at 2-2 since a runner was on third.  

However, the game wasn't tied for long as Alfonso Soriano's two-run homer in the eighth inning gave the Cubs a 4-2 lead, which was eventually the final score.  Carlos Marmol threw 11 balls and 12 strikes in the ninth and loaded the bases with one out, but was able to survive and earned his 18th save of the season.  Russell earned his seventh win of the season. 

Alfonso Soriano's 2-run homer put the Cubs ahead against the Pirates on Sunday (photo from cubs.com)

Next the Cubs will travel to Houston to play a three-game against the Astros starting at 7:05pm CT. Chris Volstad will start for the Cubs and try to earn his third win of the season.