Williams takes loss, but has year to remember

Williams works an 11-pitch walk CHICAGO -- Pirates manager Clint Hurdle made it clear before Thursday's game at Wrigley Field: No matter how the night went for Trevor Williams, it wouldn't alter his perception of the right-hander's incredible performance since the All-Star break.

"Trevor's second-half run, it's historic," Hurdle said.

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Williams' season finale was not his most impressive outing. He allowed three runs on eight hits over five innings as the Pirates lost to the Cubs, 3-0. But he walked off the mound on Thursday night with a 3.11 ERA in 170 2/3 innings over 31 starts on the year. Especially when you consider where he came from, it's hard to be anything but…