Morneau’s single leads Pittsburgh over Cubs 3-2


September 15, 2013 at 8:36p.m.

Morneau’s single leads Pittsburgh over Cubs 3-2

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Francisco Liriano took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning before faltering in his first no-decision this season, and pinch-hitter Justin Morneau singled in the go-ahead run in the eighth Sunday to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates over the Chicago Cubs 3-2.

Pittsburgh, which began the day tied with St. Louis for the NL Central lead, took three of four from the last-place Cubs and won for the sixth time in seven games.

Morneau, acquired from Minnesota on Aug. 31, drove in his first run for the Pirates. The 2006 AL MVP is batting .279 (12 for 43) with Pittsburgh.

With the score 2-2 in the eighth, Andrew McCutchen was hit by a pitch from Pedro Strop (2-2), took second on Marlon Byrd’s bloop single to center and scored on Morneau’s single.