CHICAGO — Addison Russell, David Ross and Kris Bryant homered, leading Jason Hammel and the Chicago Cubs over the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-4 Friday.
The Cubs stopped their first losing streak of the season — it was a two-game skid, both in a doubleheader sweep by San Diego on Wednesday. Chicago leads the majors with a 26-8 record.
Russell and Ross connected for three-run shots and Bryant hit a two-run drive. That was plenty for Hammel (5-0), who struck out a season-best eight over 6 2/3 innings, giving up one earned run and eight hits.
It marked the 42nd straight regular season game a Cubs starter went at least five innings, the team’s longest such streak since 1910.
Francisco Liriano (3-2) surrendered all three Cubs homers in 4 2/3 innings. Andrew McCutchen had three hits, including a two-run homer in the ninth as the Pirates fell eight games behind the Cubs in the NL Central.
