Morton, Pirates top Cubs

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

The Pittsburgh Pirates have stuck with Charlie Morton in their starting rotation despite his awful start.

On Wednesday night, Morton showed why.

Morton was effective for the first time this season, allowing two runs in six-plus innings, and the Pirates beat the Chicago Cubs for the second straight night, 4-2.

Morton (1-5), who entered the game as the worst starter in the majors in terms of ERA (12.57) and was tied for worst with five losses, did not allow a hit in five of his six innings and did not walk a batter to win for the first time since shutting out the Cubs Sept. 30.

“There’s been so much support in the clubhouse and so much support in the front office that they made it clear all I need to do is go out and throw the ball,” Morton said. “I wasn’t trusting myself and just letting the ball go. The monkey’s off my back in the sense that I realize now that I can simplify my approach and get good results.”

Chicago’s Ted Lilly didn’t walk a batter and there were no free passes in the game.

Ryan Church homered for the second consecutive game, Garrett Jones had two hits and two RBIs, and Octavio Dotel earned his fifth save in seven opportunities for Pittsburgh, which improved to 9-1 in games decided by two runs or less.

“It’d just been so hard for [Morton] to finally get off the schnide,” Church said.

“Tonight he really went out there and pitched aggressive, went after people, got 1-2-3 innings, kept guys off base. I’m glad we scored enough runs for him.”

Slumping Aramis Ramirez was moved down to the No. 6 spot in the order but had a hit and an RBI for Chicago.