CHICAGO -- Manager Clint Hurdle often repeats one of the Pirates' principal hitting philosophies, something taught throughout the Minor League level and encouraged in the Majors: Hit the ball hard where it's pitched.
Josh Bell did it in the fourth inning Monday night, ripping a high and outside pitch from Jake Arrieta just over the left-field fence at Wrigley Field for the Pirates' first hit. Then Gregory Polanco did it in an even bigger spot. The Bucs' cleanup man ripped a high, first-pitch fastball to left for a three-run homer in the sixth inning, giving the Pirates a 4-3 lead over the Cubs.