Cubs starting pitcher Jason Hammel held the Pirates to two hits in 6 2/3 innings during a 3-2 victory Thursday, leading Chicago to its first win of the season. Hammel allowed just one run and one walk, while striking out five, as the Cubs moved to 1-2 on the season.
Hammel (1-0) was nearly untouchable for most of the afternoon. He allowed a single to Travis Snider with one out in the bottom of the first and a one-out single to Wandy Rodriguez in the third.
He had five 1-2-3 innings and was lifted after walking Neil Walker with two outs in the seventh. Walker would score two batters later on a Tony Sanchez single.
Hammel, who is in his first season with Chicago, is scheduled to make his next start Wednesday in a rematch with the Pirates.