The Pittsburgh Pirates earned their fifth-straight victory on Monday night at PNC Park. The Pirates jumped all over Chicago White Sox rookie starter Carlos Rodon, scoring five runs in the first inning. When it came to batters one-through-seven for the Pirates, everyone had at least two hits in Monday's contest.
The Pirates offense was backed by yet another phenomenal pitching performance. Francisco Liriano went eight strong innings, without allowing a run and giving up just two hits. Liriano fanned 12 batters in those eight innings. Being there, it was obvious Liriano had his stuff in Monday's tilt. He was consistent with his command from the get go and set the pace early on.
Liriano tossed 100 pitches in those eight innings, throwing 69 of them for strikes.
The Pirates offense broke out in a huge way and rocked Carlos Rodon for seven runs. Rodon was chased after just three and two-thirds innings pitched.
The Pirates picked up their fifth-straight victory on Monday night. Four of those last five wins have been shutouts, including Monday. The Pirates ended up winning 11-0 as Josh Harrison and Starling Marte both racked up four hits. The Pirates ended the night with 18 hits as a team.
The Pirates pitching staff now has a team ERA of 2.70 on the season. The Pirates go for the two-game series sweep against the White Sox on Tuesday night.
The Pirates will send Charlie Morton to the mound, who is seeking his fifth-straight win. The White Sox will send Jose Quintana to the mound who is 3-6 with an ERA of 4.00.