Rookie Hayden Wesneski had an immaculate inning in his second major league start to lead the Chicago Cubs to a 3-2 victory over the skidding Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday night.

Wesneski (2-1) gave up two runs and five hits in 6 1/3 innings while striking out six and walking two in sending Pittsburgh to its seventh straight loss. It was his fourth appearance in the majors.

Wesneski had an immaculate inning in the fifth when he struck out the side on nine pitches. He fanned the three hitters at the bottom of the order: Jack Suwinski, Zack Collins and Jason Delay.

Mark Leiter Jr. got the last seven outs for his third save. The Pirates put the runners on second and third with two outs in the ninth, but Rodolfo Castro lined out to center field to end the game.

Christopher Morel hit a two-run double, and David Bote and Michael Hermosillo had two hits for the Cubs, who won their third straight game.

Mitch Keller (5-12) pitched well in a losing effort, allowing two runs and four hits in six innings. He struck out seven and walked two.

Keller has yielded three earned runs or fewer in 17 of 20 starts since being moved back to the rotation May 31 following a brief demotion to the bullpen.

Bryan Reynolds was 3 for 3 with an intentional walk for the Pirates. Kevin Newman homered.

Morel's double down the left-field line with two outs in the second inning opened the scoring.

The start of the game was delayed 25 minutes because of rain and momentarily in the seventh inning when the stadium lights went out.

Javier Assad (1-2, 3.86) will start Friday night. He lasted just two innings in his previous start last Sunday against Colorado, allowing four runs and taking the loss.

Pirates RHP Bryse Wilson (3-9, 6.07) is 1-3 with a 6.48 ERA in his last seven games, including six starts.