Pirates' Jon Niese: Suffers first loss of season Tuesday against Cubs

Niese (3-1) took the loss after getting hammered by the Cubs on Tuesday. He allowed six runs, nine hits and five walks while striking out three over five innings.

Analysis:

His 3-1 record is deceiving considering Niese sports a 5.94 ERA and 1.68 WHIP. He's allowed 29 hits and nine walks in his last 15.1 innings. Outside of his moderate groundball rate, practically every peripheral would suggest the lefty's record will even out in the near future (beginning with Tuesday's shellacking).