A quick look at the Chicago Cubs' 4-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday at Wrigley Field.
How it happened: Cody Ransom delivered the big blow for the Cubs when he blasted a three-run home run in the seventh to give the Cubs a 4-1 lead. Edwin Jackson delivered what was far and away his best start in a Cubs uniform. Jackson tossed seven innings of one-run ball, allowing four hits, while striking out eight and walking only one. Though hitless until later in the inning, the Cubs tied the game at one in the sixth when Ransom scored on Scott Hairston's sacrifice fly. Ransom led off the inning with a walk and was able to advance to third on Anthony Rizzo's ground out because the Pirates’ extreme shift left third base unmanned. The Cubs finally got their first hit of the evening later that inning when Dioner Navarro lined a single off Pirates starter Jeff Locke.
What it means: Jackson's struggles being a result of bad luck was a pregame topic with manager Dale Sveum. Things went Jackson's way on Sunday and his strong outing could possibly be the first step in bouncing back from a rough first two months of the season.
Outside the box: The Cubs tied a season high with seven walks on the day. Rizzo had 15 walks in his first 53 games of the season. With his two free passes on Sunday, Rizzo now has eight walks in his last seven games.
Up next: Scott Feldman (5-4, 2.84) takes on Homer Bailey (3-4, 3.84) as the Cubs open up a four-game set against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field on Monday night at 7:05 p.m.
