Cubs starting pitcher Jason Hammel won his second straight start to open the season Wednesday, in a 7-5 win over the Pirates.
Hammel allowed three home runs in the start, but managed to limit the damage to just three runs but allowing no other hits and only one walk in seven innings of work. He struck out six as well, while throwing 60 of 96 pitches for strikes.
Hammel has allowed four runs in his first 13 2/3 innings to open the season. He carries a 2.63 ERA and 2-0 record into his next start, set for Tuesday against the Yankees.