Pirates move to season-high 9 games over .500 with 7th win in last 8 games

Pittsburgh, PA  - Jordy Mercer knocked in three runs, Neil Walker had two RBI and the red-hot Pittsburgh Pirates topped the Chicago Cubs 7-3 in the opener of a three-game set at PNC Park.

Josh Harrison, who is chasing the NL batting title, raised his average to .318 with a three-hit effort for Pittsburgh.

Chris Stewart had two hits and an RBI for the Pirates, who have won seven of their last eight games. They entered Friday's action 2 1/2 games behind NL Central-leading St. Louis and 1 1/2 games ahead of Milwaukee for the second wild-card spot.

Gerrit Cole (9-5) remained perfect against the Cubs after allowing three runs on five hits in six innings. Cole, who struck out six and walked one, has won each of his five career starts versus Chicago.

Javier Baez and Arismendy Alcantara both hit solo homers for Chicago, which has dropped a season-worst seven straight games.

Cubs starter Tsuyoshi Wada (4-3) gave up four runs on nine hits and walked two in 4 1/3 innings.