Cole won his 18th game Friday afternoon, allowing one run on four hits, walking two and striking out eight over seven innings of 3-2 win against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Cole (18-8, 2.60 ERA) continues his spectacular season. His WHIP dropped a bit (now 1.09) and he hit the 200 strikeout mark (in 201 innings) with his eighth punchout. The Pirates have good pitching, with more talent on the way, but Cole is clearly the ace they were looking for when they drafted him first overall in 2011.