Pirates pitcher Gerrit Cole earned a win Wednesday, giving up just one unearned run on three hits and one walk in six innings while striking out eight in his team's 8-1 victory over the Cubs.
Cole (4-0) has surrendered just three earned runs in his last four starts, all wins, since a mediocre season debut. His only run allowed came on a second-inning single to put the Cubs ahead, but the Pirates had no trouble giving the starter the win, scoring nine runs over the final six innings of the game.
"It's nice to get out of here without getting swept," Cole said after the game, per MLB.com. "We can relax a little more on the off-day, clear our minds and get ready for St. Louis this weekend."
Cole owns a 1.76 ERA and 35:8 K:BB ratio in 30 2/3 innings across five starts. The Pirates are off Thursday and Monday, so Cole's next start could come either Tuesday or Wednesday against the Reds at home.