Pirates SP A.J. Burnett loses pitcher's duel Sunday

Pirates starting pitcher A.J. Burnett (9-6) lost a pitching duel Sunday, giving up two runs on seven hits and two walks, while striking out five batters in a 4-0 loss to the Cubs.

Burnett was undone by the brilliance of Jake Arrieta. Not only did the Cubs ace give up one hit through seven innings, he also hit a solo home run in the second inning off Burnett, accounting for the last run on the 38-year-old's ledger.

Burnett's ERA has hovered around 3.15 during his previous four starts, and it remains to be seen if he will make his last scheduled start Saturday against the Reds with the playoffs looming on the horizon.