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Karstens, Pirates silence Cubs

Aug 1, 2008 - 11:04 PM CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Jeff Karstens did not have much of a role with the New York Yankees. He may have more of an opportunity with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Karstens tossed six solid innings Friday in his National League debut as the new-look Pittsburgh Pirates cooled off the Chicago Cubs with a 3-0 victory.

Acquired in last week's trade that sent Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte to the Yankees, Karstens (1-0) scattered five hits and worked around four walks.

"They (Cubs) had not seen me, so the plan was to go right after them," Karstens said. "I threw a lot of off-speed pitches because they are a great fastball-hitting team. I am disappointed about walking four guys."

The 25-year-old righthander posted a 3-5 record in 15 appearances for the Yankees in the previous two seasons, then spent all of this year in the minor leagues after beginning 2008 on the disabled list.

Karstens allowed only one hit through three innings Friday, before walking two in the fourth, when the Cubs loaded the bases with two outs. But he escaped the jam by getting rookie catcher Geovanny Soto to fly to center.

Karstens also worked out of trouble in the fifth and sixth, when Chicago put two runners on in each inning.

"His changeup was an effective pitch for him today, then he worked in the fastball later to help keep them off balance," Pirates manager John Russell said.

Coming off a four-game sweep in Milwaukee in which they scored 31 runs, the Cubs appeared flat Friday and had a five-game winning streak snapped in the opener of a nine-game homestand. They were shut out at home for the first time this season.

Cubs manager Lou Piniella was asked about the possibility of a letdown after the Cubs played so well in Milwaukee.

"There should not be," he said. "There are 54 games to go. If you get a hangover this quick, geez, it's not an excuse. Give their pitchers credit. They pitched a good ballgame."

Cubs starter Jason Marquis (6-7) gave up RBI singles in the second to Jason Michaels and Jack Wilson and a homer to Michaels in the sixth.

Three Pittsburgh relievers held the Cubs hitless over the final three innings. John Grabow worked the ninth for his first save of the season.

The Cubs hit into double plays in the third, eighth and ninth innings, and Kosuke Fukudome was doubled off first in the opening frame.

"We played a good ballgame," Chicago third baseman Aramis Ramirez said. "If you don't get hit with runners in scoring position, you won't win."

Andy LaRoche (1-for-4) and Brandon Moss (0-for-3), who were acquired Thursday in a three-way deal involving Boston and the Los Angeles Dodgers, also made their debuts for the Pirates.

"They showed nice energy and looked excited to be here," Russell said. "It's a good sign and I hope they continue to help us."