CHICAGO — Chicago Cubs starter Sean Marshall didn't officially get the win Monday night.

"It was a win in my book," the rookie said after the Cubs' 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. "I don't get credit for a win but we played a great game."

Matt Murton's RBI single in the eighth inning broke a 1-1 tie.

The 6-foot-7 Marshall, trying to start 3-0, gave up one run and four hits in 7 1-3 innings, his longest outing of the season. He struck out five, walked one and threw 91 pitches.

"We wanted him to get that victory, but we needed it badly," Cubs manager Dusty Baker said. "He didn't get it, but he gave it to us."

With the score tied 1-1, John Grabow (0-1) issued a two-out walk to Todd Walker. Salomon Torres replaced him and gave up an infield single to Aramis Ramirez. Murton then singled up the middle past a diving Jack Wilson at shortstop to score Jerry Hairston Jr, who was running for Walker, from second.

Murton has been one of the Cubs' best hitters in key situations.