SAN FRANCISCO — Chris Stewart was on his way back to the plate, having paid Gerrit Cole a visit on the mound after Cole put a third San Francisco Giant on base without recording an out in the inning, but doubled back. Pitching coach Ray Searage was making the trek as well.
Cole had pitched well to that point but fell into big trouble in a hurry. He escaped just as quickly, preserving a lead, and the Pirates won the first game of the series against the Giants, 4-3, at AT&T Park Monday night.
Cole allowed two runs, both unearned, in seven innings and was excellent after allowing a two-run double to Brandon Belt in the first.