It was the kind of Mitch Keller we’ve been hoping to see for a while now: the All-Star ace pitcher who has struggled to regain his form after a rough second half to the season.

His performance on the mound last night against the Chicago Cubs was the latest in a string of solid performances that are encouraging to fans and the team alike.

Keller pitched 8.0 innings against the Cubs, allowing just 4 total hits, with no one reaching home plate. He struck out 6 batters, while walking just 1.

The game dropped Keller’s ERA down to now 4.01 on the year, building on the trend of getting that number lower and lower.

The Cubs were able to get 1 run off of David Bednar, who came in for Keller to begin the final inning, but Bednar shut the door after that to allow Pittsburgh to hang on for the 2-1 win.

One of the most impressive parts of Keller’s long night was his efficiency. Keller threw just 93 pitches in those 8 innings, and very likely could have made it through the ninth inning as well to seal the game.

Ultimately, manager Derek Shelton opted to go with the Renegade to close things out, probably with the intentions of not overworking Keller, who’s dominant night could have been marred if he struggled in the ninth. Had the Pirates been sporting a bigger lead, perhaps Shelton keeps Keller in there, but alas, here we are.

And speaking of the offense, there wasn’t much, but it was enough to get the victory. Ke’Bryan Hayes and Bryan Reynolds reached home by way of Reynolds and Joshua Palacios, respectively. Both scores came in the first inning, giving the Pirates their only runs of the night.

Unfortunately for Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks, those few miscues on the mound would be all it would take to staple him with a loss, as he experienced no run support whatsoever.

As for Keller, both fans and the team are hopeful this is the continuation of Keller’s recent turnaround. The 27 year old hasn’t had it easy after his All Star appearance, but he showed tonight he is still more than capable of star level performances.

The win puts the Pirates at 58-71, two games ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals for last place in the NL Central…because that’s where this franchise still is as a team.

Pittsburgh has two more games against the Cubs to close out this homestand.

(Featured photo by Matt Freed/AP)