Burnett Trolls Cubs

     A.J. Burnett took a no-no two outs into the eighth before getting squeezed by the ump, followed by the only Cubs hit by Adrian Cardenas. Burnett would get the final four outs to finish off the shutout. He would allow only four baserunners the whole night.

     Neil Walker had the offensive equivalent to Burnett as he hit a grand slam in the first and added a sac fly in the seventh. The 5 RBI's would be the only offense of the game but it would be plenty. Cutch would have three hits in the game (2 singles, double) and Pedro would add two hits (single, double). Newly acquired outfielder, Travis Snider, would score two runs in the game and go 1-4 with an infield single and a walk.

     The Pirates look to take the series tomorrow afternoon before heading to Cincinnati for a crucial 3 game series with the first place Reds (3 games up).

Starters Lines

     Burnett: (W, 13-3) CG, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 HBP, 8 K's 

     Coleman: (L, 0-2) 4 2/3 IN, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 5 K's (2 to Burnett)

Turning Point

     Burnett taking the mound - A.J. was dominant from start to finish. No signs of trouble for the ace.

Stud/Dud of the Game

     Stud: A.J. Burnett - Need I say more?

     Dud: Starling Marte - 0-5, 2 K's

Final Thoughts

     -- There were a few transactions over the past 24 hours. Brad Lincoln was traded to Toronto for Travis Snider who went 1-4 with a single, walk, and 2 RBI's. Gorkys Hernandez was sent to Miami for Gaby Sanchez and AAA pitcher, Kyle Kaminska. They also traded Casey McGehee to the Yankees for reliever, Chad Qualls. 

     -- Drew Sutton was also DFA'd to make room for the transactions. 

     -- Daniel McCutchen was recalled from AAA to fill a spot that will be most likely taken by Qualls come tomorrow.

#YouGottaBelieve