allowed two runs and five hits while striking

CHICAGO -- Anthony Rizzo congratulated Jason Hammel for his first National League win after the Chicago Cubs topped the Pittsburgh Pirates. Only, it wasnt. Not even Hammels first this season. Hammel threw seven strong innings, Rizzo tied a career high with four hits, and Chicago won 7-5 on Wednesday night despite allowing five solo home runs. But Rizzo apparently forgot about Hammels victory last week -- or the 27 the veteran right-hander had with Colorado. "Just make sure that everybody knows that Rizzo was not there with us in Pittsburgh last week," a joking Hammel said. "Its a good one. Its a good one. "I didnt know I didnt win at all in Colorado, either." Signed to a one-year, $6 million contract over the off-season, Hammel (2-0) won his Cubs debut when he beat the Pirates in Pittsburgh. He got off to another good start in this one, retiring the first 12 batters until Pedro Alvarezs first homer of the game tied it to start the fifth. Hammel allowed three runs and three hits -- all solo homers -- while striking out six. Rizzo had his career-best fourth straight multi-hit game, Mike Olt and Junior Lake hit back-to-back home runs in the fifth against Wandy Rodriguez (0-2). Emilio Bonifacio, who entered leading the majors with 17 hits and a .515 batting average, was 2 for 5. Bonifacio had two runs for an offence that has scored 21 runs in its last three games after getting eight in its first five. "We had some well-struck balls," Cubs manager Rick Renteria said. "They did there at the end, too, so it was a good night to hit." The Pirates found that out as well on a night where the wind was blowing steadily out. Alvarez and Russell Martin homered twice for the Pirates, each getting their second in the ninth off Pedro Strop, and Travis Snider also went deep. It was Alvarezs second multihomer game of the season and ninth of his career, and it the eighth of Martins career, but Pittsburgh only had one hit besides its five solo home runs. "Well, were not giving up," Martin said. "Were still fighting. Thats kind of in our DNA. No matter what the score is, were going to give our best effort. Were aware some days were going to get beat, but were never really going to cave in. Today they were better than us." Once again, the Cubs were better than Rodriguez, whom Hammel and Chicago beat for the second time. Rodriguez went five innings, giving up four runs and nine hits, keeping the Pirates from clinching their third straight series win to start the season, something they havent done since 1992. Rodriguez missed most of 2013 with a left forearm injury and Pirates manager Clint Hurdle called his performance an "optimistic outing." "Youve got to remember how long hes been away from the mound," Hurdle said. "He feels healthy. The first pitch strikes were good. A little more consistency and location, just execution at times." The Cubs offensive execution was better. Other than Rizzos congratulations to Hammel. "I was excited. We had a great atmosphere in here after the game," Rizzo said. "He pitched his tail off. We got him the W, so its nice. Hes off to a great 2-0 start." NOTES: Bonifacios hot start has given Renteria an easy choice to lead off. "Typically, if you can have a leadoff guy that you can slot in, its really big," Renteria said. ... Cubs OF Justin Ruggianos RBI double was his first hit of the season. He entered the game 0-for-11. ... The Cubs scored three times in the sixth, and the third came when Lake was originally called out at first on a double-play grounder, but Renteria challenged the call by umpire Mark Carlson, getting it overturned and allowing Rizzo to score. ... Pirates LHP Jeff Locke (right oblique) went six innings and allowed two runs and five hits while striking out 10 and walking one in a rehab outing at Single-A Bradenton. Salomon Outlet Store Uk . Carcillo was a little of both for New York in Game 3. Derek Stepan, Martin St. Louis, Dan Girardi and Carcillo scored goals, leading the Rangers to a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night. Salomon Shoes Clearance Uk . "We were left with the overall impression that the team wasnt trending toward being able to compete for a Stanley Cup," Capitals owner Ted Leonsis said in a news conference at the clubs arena. "And that was just a clear signal and why it was time to make those changes. http://www.salomonsaleuk.com/. Perhaps as important, shes sending a message to 17-year-old gold medal favourite Sara Takanashi of Japan. Iraschko-Stolz relegated Takanashi, who has 10 World Cup victories this season, to second place in two of three training jumps Saturday. Salomon Shoes Sale Uk . Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema scored two goals each Wednesday night in a 6-1 rout of Schalke in the first leg of their second-round matchup. "We played a very, very good match," Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said. "We got well into the match, scored two early goals and that opened the game and left us able to counter and to use the speed of our players. Salomon Clearance Uk . - After three days of light, make that very light, workouts, Team Irvin and Team Carter are ready for tonights Pro Bowl.Antoine Griezmann is almost 100 per cent sure coach Diego Simeone will stay at Atletico Madrid this summer. Atletico suffered their second defeat in three years to arch rivals Real Madrid in the Champions League final in May and Simeone admitted after the game that he was considering his future at the club. France striker Griezmann was one of Simeones stand-out players last season and, speaking to beIN Sports France, he revealed he would be raging if Atletico were to lose the Argentine this summer. I spoke to him and Im pretty sure hes staying, Griezmann said.Id be raging if he left. I still have a lot to learn from him. I spoke to Simeone, Im nearly 100 per cent sure he wont leave. Simeone cast doubt over his future after further Champions League final heartbreak Atleticos loss in the Champions League final meant they failed to win any silverware for the second season running as Barcelona claimed La Liga title in the final weeks of the season and the Copa del Rey. Simeones uncertainty has sparked rumours the hugely successful coach would like to move on to another challenge, but Atletico president Enrique Cerezo has assured the clubs supporters he is going nowhere. Guillem Balague believes Diego Simeone will stay at Madrid The fans can sleep peacefully because we have four more years of contract with him, Cerezo said.dddddddddddd Whenever you lose a title you are upset. But Atletico have always shown that we win and we lose together.Our sporting directors are looking for a striker but besides that, the group is going to be more or less the same as last season as its a great team that finished third in La Liga and reached the Champions League final. Also See: Torres: Simeone right to reflect Watch: La Ligas rising stars? Euro 2016 players top 100 (80-61) Transfer Centre Live ' ' '