Minecraft Disskusion » But with Chris Sale leading the starting rotation

CHICAGO -- The pitch was just a tick up, and Starlin Castro was ready. Fake Vans SK8 . When Edwin Jackson was limited to five innings, the bullpen took over. Pedro Alvarezs drive fell short on the warning track. These are fun days for the improving Chicago Cubs. Castro hit a three-run homer and Jackson finally got the better of Charlie Morton, leading the Cubs to a 6-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday. "This is the nicest Ive felt about this team since Ive been here," said Anthony Rizzo, who was acquired in a January 2012 trade with San Diego. Chris Coghlan added a solo shot as the Cubs opened a 10-game homestand with their fourth win in five games. Last-place Chicago also improved to 18-13 since May 17 for the best record in the NL in that stretch. "Everything in this game is contagious, whether its positive, negative, hitting, defence, pitching," Coghlan said. "I think were having more team at-bats." Jackson (5-7) was removed after 86 pitches due to cramps in his calves, but it was enough to get his first win in four matchups this year against Morton (4-8). The right-handers have faced off more than any other pair of starting pitchers this season in the majors. Jackson allowed three runs on Jordy Mercers fifth homer and five hits. He struck out eight and walked two in just his second win in his last six starts. Alvarez had a chance to tie the game when he came to the plate with two on and two out in the sixth. He took a frustrated hop between first and second as Ryan Sweeney ran down his long fly ball in the biggest part of the ballpark. Andrew McCutchen struck out with two on in the seventh, wasting another Pittsburgh threat. "Pitchings been pretty great all year. The offence is coming around, and the defence is coming around as well," Jackson said. "So were definitely showing a glimpse of what were able to do. Its just going out and doing it on a consistent basis." Pittsburgh rookie Gregory Polanco opened the game with a single to centre, extending his hitting streak to 10 games. He is the first NL player to begin his career with such a streak since Juan Pierres 16-game run for Colorado in 2000. The Pirates have lost four of five since a four-game winning streak. Morton retired six in a row before Jacksons one-out single in the third started a string of five consecutive batters reaching safely. Rizzo lined a two-run double into the right-field corner before Castro drove an 0-2 curveball over the wall in left for his 11th homer, moving past his total from all of last year. Morton jerked his head down in disgust when Castro connected, and then turned around to see where the ball was going. Castros third homer of the season against Morton gave the Cubs a 5-0 lead. "I could have gotten the ball down a little bit more," Morton said. "I dont think it was a bad pitch. It was a bad pitch to him in that situation." The six runs in six innings were a season high for Morton, who had won each of his last three starts and was 4-1 with a 2.40 ERA in his previous five outings. Mercer went deep after Jackson walked the first two batters in the fifth, but that was it for the Pirates. Four Cubs relievers combined for three innings of two-hit ball before Hector Rondon worked the ninth for his eighth save in 10 chances. Jason Grilli pitched the eighth for the Pirates in his first outing since manager Clint Hurdle removed the right-hander from the closer role. Grilli has blown four save opportunities this season after converting 33 of 35 chances a year ago. "Better rhythm, a better execution of pitches," Hurdle said when asked about Grillis inning. NOTES: Hurdle said before the game that Mark Melancon will close for now, and he also could use Tony Watson in save opportunities. ... Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said he is pleased with Manny Ramirezs impact on the organization so far, and the former major league star could join Triple-A Iowa next week. When Ramirez reports to Iowa, he will be a player-coach for Chicagos top farm club. ... Epstein also said he doesnt forsee a scenario where prospect Kris Bryant joins the major league club this year. ... Pirates RHP Vance Worley (0-0, 0.00 ERA) and Cubs LHP Travis Wood (7-5, 4.48 ERA) face off on Saturday. Fake Vans Online . Hicham Khalouas late goal improved Almerias chances of avoiding relegation in a match dominated by contentious calls, including three penalties. One day after Barcelonas 4-3 win at Real Madrid featured three penalties, referees again dominated a wide-open game that saw Almeria ultimately move out of the relegation zone and one point ahead of Getafe which took its place. Fake Vans Store .C. -- Cam Newton wasnt flawless on Sunday. http://www.fakevans.com/ . Sources tell TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger that the team is quietly gauging interest on the Senators captain, though Spezza has a limited no-trade clause and carries a large contract.CHICAGO - The Chicago White Sox boosted their bullpen Tuesday, reaching agreement with left-hander Zach Duke on a $15 million, three-year contract. The 31-year-old Duke will get $4.5 million next season, $5 million in 2016 and $5.5 in 2017. Duke flourished in his lone season with Milwaukee, going 5-1 with a 2.45 ERA in a career-high 74 appearances. He joins a bullpen that ranked 28th in the majors with a 4.38 ERA and a team that went 73-89 last season after losing 99 the previous year. But with Chris Sale leading the starting rotation and AL Rookie of the Year Jose Abreu in the middle of the lineup, the White Sox believe they can turn things around sooner than later. If you get the right group of guys together that believe and dont care what people outside the door say, then special things can happen, Duke said. I feel like I can impart some knowledge and maybe some wisdom on some of the younger guys and help them realize the ability is there because there are quality young players withhin that clubhouse. Fake Vans Toy Story. General manager Rick Hahn called Duke one of the most desirable relievers out on the market and said the White Sox targeted him early on. He said pitching coach Don Cooper had lunch with the pitcher a while ago and came away impressed. Hahn also said acquiring Duke is just a start, that the White Sox still hope to add to their bullpen and acquire a left-handed hitter for the middle of the order. Were real pleased with (the move), Hahn said. Were on to the next one now. Its an important get, one were all very happy about, but were not deluding ourselves that were by any means finished addressing our needs both in the bullpen and elsewhere. Duke is 55-77 with a 4.46 ERA over 10 seasons with Pittsburgh (2005-10), Arizona (2011), Washington (2012-13), Cincinnati (2013) and the Brewers (2014). He is 8-2 with a 3.28 ERA in 120 relief appearances. He was Pittsburghs opening day starter in 2007 and 2010 and made the NL All-Star team in 2009. ' ' '