Ivan Nova did just about everything a team could ask of its starting pitcher, but the Pirates were unable to back their veteran righty.
One swing — a fourth-inning solo homer by the Cubs' Ian Happ in his hometown — made the difference as Jon Lester and three relievers combined to blank the Pirates, 1-0, in their first game back home after completing a nine-game road trip Thursday at PNC Park.
Nova, usually a ground-ball pitcher, mixed his elevations with some success. He allowed seven hits and did not walk a batter in 6 2/3 innings, but his record on the year dropped to 7-7, a .500 mark that matches the Pirates' 61-61 record with 40 games to play.
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TAP ABOVE FOR BOXSCORE[/caption]
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