After huge delay, Bucs blank Cubs

Associated Press

CHICAGO

Kevin Correia pitched seven innings of two-hit ball and Starling Marte hit a two-run triple to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates past the Chicago Cubs 3-0 Monday night in a game that was delayed more than 31/2 hours by rain.

With the Pirates still in playoff contention, the teams waited out two storms at Wrigley Field that pushed back the start for 3 hours, 37 minutes. The first pitch was thrown at 11:42 p.m. and Joel Hanrahan delivered the final one Tuesday at 2:28 a.m.

Correia (11-9) walked one and struck out six. Jason Grilli worked a hitless eighth and Hanrahan got three outs for his 36th save in 39 chances, completing the two-hitter.

The Pirates touched up Cubs starter Travis Wood for three runs in the third inning, including Marte’s key triple. Jose Tabata drove in Marte with a double to deep center.

Clint Barmes was hit by a pitch and Brock Holt’s single up the middle on a 3-2 count sent Barmes to third. After Correia was called out on strikes, Marte tripled to left.

Wood (6-12) worked 52/3 innings, giving up four hits. He walked one and struck out a career-high nine.

Pittsburgh loaded the bases with two outs in the sixth, but reliever Michael Bowden retired Holt on a grounder.

Trying to play spoiler and avoid a 100-loss season, the Cubs (58-89) had won seven of eight.