Cubs pitcher Jason Hammel allowed four runs, three earned, in five innings of work in Chicago's 4-3 loss to the Pirates Wednesday.
Hammel struggled early in the second, allowing three consecutive hits, leading to an RBI double for Francisco Cervelli. Then, Jung Ho Kang hit a sacrifice fly to left field to bring home another run. Hammel allowed another sacrifice fly in the third and then a home run to Gregory Polanco to lead off the fifth inning.
"It's one of those outings that leaves you scratching your head," Hammel said after the game, per MLB.com. "I thought I threw the ball well when I needed to and just got unlucky with some of the balls falling in."
Hammel, now 1-1 on the year, recorded five strikeouts with no walks in the start and boasts a 5.19 ERA. He will look to get back on track Monday against the Pirates again.