BATTING 2B: P. Fielder (6) HR: A. Dirks (8) RBI: P. Fielder 2 (42), A. Dirks 2 (29) SAC: A. Sanchez GIDP: M. Cabrera
BASERUNNING SB: O. Infante (14)
Detroit Tigers
PITCHERS
IP
H
R
ER
BB
SO
ERA
A. Sanchez (W, 6-1)
6.0
4
1
1
1
6
2.00
B. Villarreal (H, 3)
1.0
0
0
0
0
1
6.75
O. Dotel (H, 4)
1.0
0
0
0
0
2
8.10
J. Benoit (S, 1)
1.0
1
0
0
0
2
3.47
Pittsburgh Pirates
HITTERS
AB
R
H
BI
BB
SO
AVG
BATTING 3B: P. Alvarez (1) HR: A. McCutchen (17) RBI: A. McCutchen (28) SAC: J. McDonald, G. Sanchez
FIELDING E: G. Jones (5), J. Sands (1) PB: R. Martin (1)
Pittsburgh Pirates
PITCHERS
IP
H
R
ER
BB
SO
ERA
J. McDonald (L, 5-3)
7.0
6
2
1
0
8
1.19
J. Karstens
1.0
2
2
2
1
0
4.91
J. Hughes
1.0
0
0
0
0
1
3.05
Tigers Drop Pirates in Pitcher's Dual
PITTSBURGH - With a rare home and home series, the Pirates and Tigers split the first two games in Detroit of their four game set. As the series turns to PNC Park, the pitching matchup on paper for game one sets up to be a good one. The Pirates send James McDonald to the mound to oppose Annibal Sanchez for the Tigers.
After a scoreless first inning, Pedro Alvarez led off the bottom of the 2nd with a lead off triple. But Garrett Jones would hit a chopper in front of home plate, forcing Jones and Alvarez into a double play, followed by a ground out from Russell Martin to end the inning. In the top of the 3rd, James McDonald struck out the side in order, keeping the game scoreless.
In the bottom of the 3rd, Clint Barmes drew a four pitch walk and then took 2nd on a sacrifice from James McDonald. But the Pirates could get him home, as Jordy Mercer would fly out to end hte inning. In the top of the 4th, the Tigers got to James McDonald, as Omar Infante led off with a single, followed by Miguel Cabrera reaching on a fielders choice. Carbrera would reach on a passed ball by Russell Martin, putting him in scoring position for Prince Fielder. Field would take advantage of the opportunity, hitting a double to deep center field, scoring Cabrera to give the Tigers a 1-0 lead.
But in the bottom of the 4th, Andrew McCutchen would hit a solo home run to tie the game at 1 a piece.
Locking in as the game got deeper, Annibal Sanchez struck out the side in the bottom of the 5th. In the top of the 6th, Omar Infante led off by reaching on a fielding error by Garrett Jones, then stealing 2nd to get into scoring position. Prince Fielder would single, scoring Infante to put the Tigers up 2-1.
Travis Snider sparked some offense in the bottom of the 6th, as he singled with 2 outs. But Andrew McCutchen would fly out at the warning track to end the inning. McDonald was able to finish off the 7th inning after allowing a lead off single to Victory Martinez, getting Omar Infante to strike out swinging. With McDonald being taken out of the game, Hurdle called upon Jeff Karstens, who hasn't seen much work lately. After allowing a single to Austin Jackson, Karstens got Miguel Cabrera to ground into a double play. After intentionally walking Prince Fielder, Andy Dirks made Karstens pay, hitting a 2-run blast to put the Tigers up 4-1.
Down to their final 3 outs, Travis Snider led off the bottom of the 9th with a single. Pedro Alvarez flew out at the warning track for the 2nd out, followed by a strikeout from Garrett Jones to end the game.
Player of the Game:
The Pirates and Tigers meet for game two of this two game series tomorrow night, as the Pirates look to avoid the sweep. First pitch, 7:05PM.
- The Pirates took game one in Detroit, 9-5
- The Tigers took game two in Detroit, 7-4
- Tigers closer Bruce Rondon left Tuesday's game with soreness in his right arm. Manager Jim Leyland stated Rondon will be held out for a few days.
Comerica Park - Detroit, MI Weather: 54º, Clear Attendance: 26,536
Pittsburgh Pirates at Detroit Tigers
May 28, 2013
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
R
H
E
Pittsburgh (31-22)
2
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
4
7
1
Detroit (34-17)
0
1
0
0
0
3
0
3
X
7
7
0
W: Joaquin Benoit (1-0) L: Jared Hughes (3-2) S: N/A
Pittsburgh Pirates
HITTERS
AB
R
H
BI
BB
SO
AVG
BATTING 2B: T. Snider (8) HR: A. McCutchen (16), G. Jones (15) RBI: A. McCutchen 2 (27), G. Jones (29), P. Alvarez (41) HBP: T. Snider, J. Mercer
FIELDING E: P. Alvarez (2)
Pittsburgh Pirates
PITCHERS
IP
H
R
ER
BB
SO
ERA
W. Rodriguez
5.1
5
4
3
2
10
3.19
C. Leroux (BS, 1)
1.2
0
0
0
0
1
4.26
J. Hughes (L, 3-2)
0.0
0
1
1
1
0
3.20
T. Watson
1.0
2
2
2
0
1
5.02
Detroit Tigers
HITTERS
AB
R
H
BI
BB
SO
AVG
BATTING HR: V. Martinez (7), A. Dirks (7), O. Infante (3) RBI: V. Martinez 3 (33), A. Dirks (27), A. Avila (15), O. Infante (11)
Detroit Tigers
PITCHERS
IP
H
R
ER
BB
SO
ERA
J. Verlander
5.0
5
4
4
0
8
2.89
J. Benoit (W, 1-0)
3.0
1
0
0
0
4
3.63
B. Rondon (H, 1)
0.2
0
0
0
0
1
2.65
O. Dotel
0.1
1
0
0
0
1
9.00
PITCHING WP: J. Verlander 2 (2)
Martinez's 3-Run Blast Powers Tigers Past Pirates
DETROIT - The Pirates and Tigers traded punches in Detroit, with each team coming away with decisive blowout victories. With the series back in Pittsburgh, game three has the potential to be a pitchers dual, with Pirates righty James McDonald opposing Tigers righty Annibal Sanchez.
The Pirates had flashbacks from last season meeting with Justin Verlander, looking to change their fortunes this time around. To do that, the Pirates looked to get to Verlander early, and that's exactly what they did. With one out, Verlander hit Travis Snider on an 0-2 count, bringing up Andrew McCutchen. McCutchen worked Verlander to a 3-1 count, taking the 5th pitch of the at bat out of Comerica Park for a 2-run shot, giving the Pirates a 2-0 lead.
In the bottom of the 1st, Wandy Rodriguez showed up his counterpart, striking out the side in order. Verlander led off the top of the 2nd, by hitting Jordy Mercer, followed by a single to John McDonald, advancing Mercer to 3rd. But Verlander would settle down, getting Starling Marte to ground out to end the inning. But the Tigers would get on in the bottom of the 2nd, as Andy Dirks hit a solo shot to cut the Pirates lead to 1.
Rodriguez would then walk Jhonny Peralta, followed by a single to Alex Avila. But the two would be left stranded on base, as Rodriguez got Torii Hunter and Ramon Santiago to strike out to end the inning.
In the top of the 4th, Garrett Jones hit a solo home run to give the Pirates a 3-1 lead.
The Pirates would continue to add on in the 4th, as Travis Snider followed the home run with a double, followed by a single from McCutchen. Pedro Alvarez would ground out, scoring Snider to put the Bucs up 4-1.
Jim Leyland would pull Justin Verlander in the top of the 6th, turning to Joaquin Benoit, who would get the Pirates in order. Trouble started to brew for Wandy Rodriguez in the bottom of the 6th, as Omar Infante led off with a solo home run, cutting the score to 4-2. Rodriguez would walk Cabrera, followed by a single from Prince Fielder. Andy Dirks would reach on a fielding error by Pedro Alvarez, scoring Cabrera to cut the Bucs lead again to 1. After a Jhonny Peralta single, Alex Avila reached on fielders choice, as he was called safe at first on a should have been double play, scoring Prince Fielder to tie the game at 4.
With the game tied at 4 heading into the bottom of the 8th, Clint Hurdle turned to Jared Hughes to face Miguel Cabrera, who would walk to start the inning. Hurdle then turned to lefty Tony Watson to oppose Prince Fielder who singled, to put runners on 1st and 2nd with no outs. Watson would get Andy Dirks to fly out and Jhonny Peralta to strike out, putting the Tigers in a 2 on 2 out situation. Leyland would turn to Victor Martinez to pinch hit, and he'd make the Pirates pay with a 3-run home run to give the Tigers the 7-4 lead.
Down to their final 3 outs, the Pirates went up again Tigers closer Bruce Rondon. Rondon got Russell Martin to ground out and Jordy Mercer to strike out, before leaving with an apparent arm injury. Former Pirates closer Octavio Dotel would take the mound to finish the game, allowing a single to John McDonald, before getting Starling Marte to strike out to end the game.
Player of the Game:
After splitting the first two games in the series in Detroit, the Tigers head to PNC Park for the remaining two games of the series. First pitch, 7:05PM.
Comerica Park - Detroit, MI Weather: 62º, Rain Attendance: 28,325
Pittsburgh Pirates at Detroit Tigers
May 27, 2013
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
R
H
E
Pittsburgh (31-21)
1
2
1
0
2
0
2
0
1
9
14
1
Detroit (33-17)
0
0
1
3
1
0
0
0
0
5
7
0
W: A.J. Burnett (4-2) L: Rick Porcello (5-3) S: N/A
Pittsburgh Pirates
HITTERS
AB
R
H
BI
BB
SO
AVG
BATTING 2B: J. McDonald (1), G. Sanchez (5), T. Snider (7) HR: S. Marte (4), A. McCutchen 2 (15), T. Snider (8), M. McKenry (5) RBI: S. Marte (12), A. McCutchen 3 (25), G. Sanchez (12), T. Snider 2 (21), M. McKenry 2 (7)
BASERUNNING SB: A. McCutchen 2 (9)
FIELDING E: B. Inge (5)
Pittsburgh Pirates
PITCHERS
IP
H
R
ER
BB
SO
ERA
A. Burnett (W, 4-2)
6.0
5
5
5
1
7
4.66
D. Welker (H, 2)
1.0
1
0
0
0
2
0.00
M. Melancon (H, 10)
1.0
1
0
0
0
2
3.38
J. Grilli
1.0
0
0
0
0
1
0.44
Detroit Tigers
HITTERS
AB
R
H
BI
BB
SO
AVG
BATTING 2B: V. Martinez (11) HR: M. Cabrera 2 (15), J. Peralta (6) RBI: T. Hunter (19), M. Cabrera 2 (44), J. Peralta 2 (25) GIDP: A. Avila
Detroit Tigers
PITCHERS
IP
H
R
ER
BB
SO
ERA
R. Porcello (L, 5-3)
5.0
9
6
6
0
1
5.46
A. Alburquerque
1.1
2
2
2
0
2
3.78
B. Villarreal
1.2
1
0
0
0
0
7.16
O. Dotel
1.0
2
1
1
0
1
9.35
PITCHING WP: R. Porcello (1)
Pirates Outslug Tigers in Comerica Park Derby
DETROIT - After taking two of three from NL Central foe Milwaukee, the Pirates headed southeast to face the Detroit Tigers. The series with the Tigers is unique, as the Tigers play host at Comerica Park for the first two games, immediately followed by the Pirates hosting at PNC Park for the last two games of the four game set.
The first sign of offense came right away in the top of the 1st, as Andrew McCutchen crushed the first pitch he saw to deep left center field, his 14th home run on the season, giving the Pirates a 1-0 lead.
After Garrett Jones singled with two outs, Gaby Sanchez grounded to center, but was called out at second base to end the inning. The Pirates struck again in the top of the 2nd, as John McDonald doubled with one out, then scoring on a two-run shot from Michael McKenry to give the Pirates a 3-0 lead.
In the bottom of the 3rd, Jhonny Peralta hit a solo home run to bring the Tigers to within one.
After Burnett got out of his half of the inning, the Pirates went back to work. With one out, Andrew McCutchen singled, advancing to 2nd on a ground out by Garrett Jones. Gaby Sanchez would then hit a ground rule double to score Jones, putting the Pirates up 4-1. After a scoreless top of the 4th, Burnett ran into trouble. One an 0-2 count, Miguel Cabrera homered, cutting the lead to 4-2. Pena would follow with a walk, advancing to 3rd on a double by Victor Martinez. Tori Hunter then singled, scoring Pena to cut the lead to 4-3. Jhonny Peralta would knock in another run, as Martinez scored on a fielders choice, a play that manager Clint Hurdle thought was called incorrectly, tying the game at 4.
The Pirates broke the tie in the 5th, as Andrew McCutchen hit his second home run of the game, this time, a two-run home run scoring Travis Snider to give the Pirates a 6-4 lead.
Miguel Cabrera would get the Tigers a run back in the bottom of the 5th, hitting his second home run of the game, putting the score at 6-5.
After a scoreless 6th inning, the Pirates broke the game open as Clint Barmes lead off with a single, later scoring on a 2-run home run from Travis Snider to give the Pirates an 8-5 lead. Starling Marte would add another insurance run in the top of the 9th, giving the Pirates a 9-5 victory.
Player of the Game:
The Pirates and Tigers meet for game two of this brief two game set here in Detroit tomorrow evening, as Pirates lefty ace Wandy Rodriguez opposes Tigers ace Justin Verlander. First pitch, 7:05PM.
- The Pirates and Tigers meet for a quick two game series in Detroit on Monday and Tuesday, before heading back for a two game set in Pittsburgh on Wednesday and Thursday
- The Pirates currently sit atop the NL Central, leading the Reds by 1.5 games
- The Tigers currently sit atop the NL Central, leading the White Sox by 2.5 games
Miller Park - Milwaukee, WI Weather: 71º, Cloudy Attendance: 14,649
Pittsburgh Pirates at Milwaukee Brewers
May 26, 2013
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
R
H
E
Pittsburgh (30-21)
0
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
3
5
0
Milwaukee (16-33)
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
6
2
W: Francisco Liriano (2-1) L: Kyle Lohse (2-4) S: Jason Grilli (17)
Pittsburgh Pirates
HITTERS
AB
R
H
BI
BB
SO
AVG
BATTING 2B: P. Alvarez HR: P. Alvarez (16), R. Martin (8) RBI: P. Alvarez (40), R. Martin 2 (24)
Pittsburgh Pirates
PITCHERS
IP
H
R
ER
BB
SO
ERA
Liriano (W, 2-1)
7.1
5
1
1
1
8
3.90
Melancon (H, 9)
0.2
1
0
0
0
0
3.54
Grilli (S, 17)
1.0
0
0
0
0
0
0.45
Milwaukee Brewers
HITTERS
AB
R
H
BI
BB
SO
AVG
BATTING 2B: A. Ramirez (10) 3B: J. Lucroy (1) HR: R. Weeks (3) RBI: R. Weeks (14)
FIELDING E: R. Weeks (5), C. Gomez (3)
Milwaukee Brewers
PITCHERS
IP
H
R
ER
BB
SO
ERA
Lohse (L, 2-4)
6.0
5
3
3
0
5
3.65
Badenhop
2.0
0
0
0
2
1
2.50
Henderson
1.0
0
0
0
0
0
4.74
Home Runs Back Liriano's Gem as Pirates Take Series
MILWAUKEE - After the Pirates won game one of the series, the Brewers answered back in game two, beating the Pirates 5-2. With recent, notable struggles in Milwaukee, the Pirates look to take the series in game three, as Francisco Liriano takes the mound, opposing Milwaukee's Kyle Lohse.
After Kyle Lohse breezed through the top of the 1st, Norichika Aoki lead off with a single, but Liriano would lock in, striking out Rickie Weeks, getting Ryan Braun to ground out, and getting Corey Hart to strike out looking to end the inning. But the Pirates would make the most noise first, as Pedro Alvarez hit a lead off double, then scoring as Russell Martin hit a 2-run home run to put the Pirates up 2-0.
In the top of the 3rd, Jordy Mercer singled, followed by Andrew McCutchen reaching on a fielding error by Carlos Gomez. Pedro Alvarez followed with a single, but the inning would end as Jordy Mercer would be called out at home to end the inning.
The Brewers got to within one in the bottom of the 4th, as Rickie Weeks drilled a 2-2 pitch from Liriano to deep center for a solo home run.
In the top of the 6th, Pedro Alvarez responded with a solo home run of his own, giving the Pirates a 3-1 lead.
Jonathan Lucroy hit his first triple of the season in the bottom of the 7th, but would be stranded, as Yuniesky Betancourt struck out to end the inning.
The Pirates made some noise in the top of the 8th against Burke Badenhop, as Starling Marte lead off with a single. Andrew McCutchen and Garrett Jones were intentionally walked to load the bases with 2 outs. But Russell Martin would ground out to end the inning and leave the bases loaded.
With the lead heading into the 9th, the Pirates turned to closer Jason Grilli who nailed down a 1-2-3 inning for a Pirates win and his 17th save on the season.
Player of the Game:
After taking the series from the Brewers, the Pirates continue their road trip for a short two game series in Detroit, before returning home for two more games with the Tigers.
With Neil Walker's injury, the Pirates turned to veterans Brandon Inge and John McDonald. But age and stamina has started playing a factor into the amount of time the two can play, putting pressure on Josh Harrison to fill the void. Harrison's performance has been less then stellar, forcing the Pirates hand to make the following move:
Recalled from AAA - Indianapolois Jordy Mercer - With 148 at bats in AAA, Jordy Mercer has hit 4 home runs and knocked in 15 RBI's, also carrying an impressive, .964 fielding %, something Harrison has been struggling with recently.
Optioned to AAA - Indianapolis
Josh Harrison - Unable to maintain an everyday position due to fielding performance, Josh Harrison has been optioned down to AAA. In just 40 at bats with the Pirates, Harrison hit 1 home run while collecting 2 RBI's. Harrison also had 6 errors with a .778 fielding %.
Miller Park - Milwaukee, WI Weather: 74º, Overcast Attendance: 11,632
Pittsburgh Pirates at Milwaukee Brewers
May 25, 2013
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
R
H
E
Pittsburgh (29-21)
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
9
4
Milwaukee (16-32)
0
2
0
1
0
2
0
0
X
5
11
1
W: Marco Estrada (4-4) L: Jonathan Sanchez (3-4) S: John Axford (9)
Pittsburgh Pirates
HITTERS
AB
R
H
BI
BB
SO
AVG
BATTING HR: A. McCutchen (13) RBI: A. McCutchen (22), T. Snider (19) SAC: C. Barmes
FIELDING E: J. Sanchez (1), C. Barmes (6), B. Inge 2 (4)
Pittsburgh Pirates
PITCHERS
IP
H
R
ER
BB
SO
ERA
J. Sanchez (L, 3-4)
5.0
9
4
2
1
6
3.62
D. Welker
1.0
1
1
0
0
0
0.00
J. Hughes
2.0
1
0
0
0
2
2.75
PITCHING WP: J. Sanchez (1)
Milwaukee Brewers
HITTERS
AB
R
H
BI
BB
SO
AVG
BATTING 2B: R. Braun (10) HR: C. Hart (6) RBI: M. Estrada (1), R. Weeks (13), N. Aoki (1), C. Hart 2 (28)
BASERUNNING SB: N. Aoki (1)
FIELDING E: C. Hart (4)
Milwaukee Brewers
PITCHERS
IP
H
R
ER
BB
SO
ERA
M. Estrada (W, 4-4)
8.0
9
2
1
0
7
4.14
J. Axford (S, 9)
1.0
0
0
0
0
0
6.50
PITCHING WP: M. Estrada (3)
Brewers Smack Around Sanchez, Pirates in 5-2 Win
MILWAUKEE - After a 5-2 win in game one, the Pirates and Brewers were at it again in game two. Marco Estrada took the mound for the Brewers, opposing Jonathan Sanchez for the Pirates.
After a scoreless first inning, the Brewers got to Sanchez right away in the 2nd, getting singles from Betancourt and Gomez to start off the inning. Pitcher Marco Estrada would then single, scoring Betancourt to give the Brewers a 1-0 lead.
Aoki followed Estrada with a single, scoring Gomez to give the Brewers a 2-0. Rickie Weeks would ground out to end the inning. But the Pirates would cut the lead in half in the top of the 3rd, as Brandon Inge led off reaching first on a wild pitch, followed by a single from Jonathan Sanchez who would score in a single by Travis Snider.
In the top of the 4th, Garrett Jones grounded a pitch that deflected off Estrada for single, followed by a single from Brandon Inge. But the offense went cold as Clint Barmes struck out to end the inning. In the bottom of the 4th, Gomez led off with a walk, followed by Aoki reaching on a fielding error. Rickie Weeks would then single, scoring Gomez to put the Brewers up 3-1.
With two on and two out, Ryan Braun would fly out at the warning track to end the inning. In the top of the 5th, trailing by 2, Travis Snider singled with 2 outs, later being called out at 3rd on a McCutchen single to end the inning.
In the bottom of the 6th, the Brewers extended their lead, as Aoki led off the inning on a fielding error and then scored on a 2-run home run from Corey Hart to put the Brewers ahead 5-1.
The Pirates would get to within three in the top of the 8th, as Andrew McCutchen hit a solo home run to straight away center field.
The Brewers bullpen was locked in, as John Axford came in for the 9th to shut the door on the Pirates and collect his 9th save on the season.
Player of the Game:
The Pirates and Brewers face off in the series finale tomorrow afternoon, as Francisco Liriano looks to keep the Pirates from losing their third straight series. First pitch, 2:10PM.
Miller Park - Milwaukee, WI Weather: 59º, Clear Attendance: 10,530
Pittsburgh Pirates at Milwaukee Brewers
May 24, 2013
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
R
H
E
Pittsburgh (29-20)
0
0
0
0
0
2
1
2
0
5
10
1
Milwaukee (15-32)
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
2
7
3
W: James McDonald (5-2) L: Kyle Lohse (2-3) S: Jason Grilli (16)
Pittsburgh Pirates
HITTERS
AB
R
H
BI
BB
SO
AVG
BATTING 2B: T. Snider (6), B. Inge (1) HR: P. Alvarez (15) RBI: P. Alvarez (39), T. Snider (18), J. Sands (2), B. Inge (13) HBP: J. McDonald, G. Sanchez SAC: G. Sanchez, J. Sands, J. Harrison
FIELDING E: B. Inge (2)
Pittsburgh Pirates
PITCHERS
IP
H
R
ER
BB
SO
ERA
J. McDonald (W, 5-2)
7.0
5
2
1
1
8
1.19
M. Melancon (H, 8)
1.0
2
0
0
0
3
3.66
J. Grilli (S, 16)
1.0
0
0
0
0
2
0.48
Milwaukee Brewers
HITTERS
AB
R
H
BI
BB
SO
AVG
BATTING 2B: C. Gomez (8) RBI: A. Ramirez (29), A. Gonzalez (12) GIDP: K. Davis
BASERUNNING SB: R. Braun (9)
FIELDING E: A. Ramirez 2 (5), K. Davis (3)
Milwaukee Brewers
PITCHERS
IP
H
R
ER
BB
SO
ERA
K. Lohse (L, 2-3)
6.0
6
3
1
1
1
3.57
B. Badenhop
1.0
1
0
0
0
0
2.65
J. Henderson
0.2
2
2
0
0
1
4.94
M. Gonzalez
1.1
1
0
0
1
0
3.76
Alvarez's Solo Shot Sparks Offense to 5-2 Win
MILWAUKEE - After disappointing home series against the Astros and Cubs, the Pirates hit the road, starting with a three game set against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park.
After a scoreless 1st and 2nd inning, Kyle Lohse started off the 3rd by hitting James McDonald in the hip. After McDonald was checked on and deemed able to continue, Brandon Inge stepped up to bat, singling on a deflection off of Lohse to put two on with 2 outs. Travis Snider then singled, loading the bases. After working the count to 3-2, Andrew McCutchen hit a long fly ball to center field, only to be caught at the wall to end the inning.
It wasn't until the bottom of the 4th that the Brewers hit the scoreboard. Corey Hart reached on a throwing error by Brandon Inge, then scoring on a single from Aramis Ramirez to put the Brewers up 1-0.
Jonathan Lucroy singled, followed by a single from Alex Gonzalez which would score Ramirez to give the Brewers a 2-0 lead. Kristopher Davis would ground into a double play to end the inning. In the top of the 5th, Brandon Inge and Travis Snider singled with 2 outs, as Andrew McCutchen would again fly out at the warning track to end the inning.
But the Pirates would cut the lead to one in the top of the 6th, as Pedro Alvarez hit a towering solo home run to cut the score to 2-1.
Michael McKenry would then reach third base on two errors, setting him up to score on an RBI single from Jerry Sands to tie the game at 2. Clint Barmes would fly out to end the inning. In the top of the 7th, James McDonald led off with a walk, followed by a single from Travis Snider to put runners on 1st and 3rd. Andrew McCutchen then reached on a throwing error, allowing McDonald to score to put the Pirates up 3-2.
Looking to pad the lead, Clint Barmes led off the top of the 8th by striking out, but reaching on a passed ball. Brandon Inge would double, scoring Barmes to put the Pirates up 4-2. Travis Snider doubled, scoring Inge to give the Pirates a three run lead. Andrew McCutchen would pop out to end the inning. In the bottom of the 8th, Mark Melancon would allow two singles, but would collect three strikeouts from Gomez, Braun, and Ramirez to end the inning. Jason Grilli was called upon in the bottom of the 9th, looking to get his 16th save. Grilli would get Gonzalez and Davis to strike out and end the inning.
Player of the Game:
The Pirates and Brewers square off for game two of this three game set tomorrow evening. First pitch, 8:10PM.
BATTING 2B: A. Rizzo (12), S. Castro (7) HR: A. Rizzo (6) RBI: A. Rizzo 2 (23), S. Castro 2 (19) GIDP: W. Castillo, L. Valbuena
Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS
IP
H
R
ER
BB
SO
ERA
S. Baker (W, 5-3)
8.2
6
2
2
0
5
2.04
K. Fujikawa (S, 1)
0.1
0
0
0
0
0
2.45
Pittsburgh Pirates
HITTERS
AB
R
H
BI
BB
SO
AVG
BATTING 2B: A. McCutchen (13) HR: B. Inge (5) RBI: G. Jones (28), B. Inge (12) GIDP: G. Sanchez
BASERUNNING SB: A. McCutchen (7)
Pittsburgh Pirates
PITCHERS
IP
H
R
ER
BB
SO
ERA
W. Rodriguez (L, 5-4)
3.0
5
4
4
2
3
3.04
J. Karstens
5.0
2
0
0
1
4
4.15
J. Grilli
1.0
0
0
0
0
3
0.51
Rizzo Backs Baker's Gem as Cubs Take Series From Pirates
PITTSBURGH - After winning game one in walk-off fashion, the Pirates found themselves on the other end of the game in game two, as they watched the Cubs score three runs off of the bullpen in the 8th inning, giving them game two of the three game set. With the Cubs looking to cut their deficit in the NL Central standings, the Pirates look to pull ahead further. The Cubs send a hot Scott Baker to the mound, to oppose Wandy Rodriguez.
As they did in game two, the Cubs got to the Pirates early, as Darwin Barney singled, followed by a double from Anthony Rizzo to put two on with two out. Starling Castro then hit a ground rule double, scoring Barney & Rizzo to give the Cubs a 2-0 lead.
In the bottom of the 1st, Andrew McCutchen doubled with 2 outs, but would be stranded at second as Pedro Alvarez grounded out to end the inning. In the top of the 3rd, after a walk to Darwin Barney, Anthony Rizzo hit a 2-run home run to give the Cubs a 4-0 lead.
Due to a lack of command and high pitch count, the Pirates were forced to pull Wandy Rodriguez and called upnon Jeff Karstens from the bullpen. Karstens would get Castillo and Valbuena to ground out, followed by Scott Baker striking out to end the 4th. In the 5th, after Russell Martin was robbed at the wall by Jorge Soler, Brandon Inge hit a solo home run to cut the score to 4-1.
In the top of the 9th, with a taxed bullpen, the Pirates turned to Jason Grilli in a non-save situation. Grilli was able to get all three batters he faced to strike out.
In the bottom of the 9th, Andrew McCutchen doubled and then scored on an RBI single from Garrett Jones, cutting the Cubs lead to 4-2.
After working the count full, Russell Martin would pop out to end the inning. The Cubs victory brings them to within three games of .500.
Player of the Game:
The Pirates head out of Pittsburgh for a five game road trip, starting with a three game set in Milwaukee. First pitch, 8:10PM.
PNC Park - Pittsburgh, PA Weather: 56º, Clear Attendance: 38,496
Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates
May 22, 2013
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
R
H
E
Chicago (21-25)
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
6
11
0
Pittsburgh (28-19)
0
1
0
1
1
1
0
0
0
4
8
0
W: Kyuji Fujikawa (3-1) L: Tony Watson (2-2) S: Carlos Marmol (15)
Chicago Cubs
HITTERS
AB
R
H
BI
BB
SO
AVG
BATTING 2B: D. Barney (7) RBI: A. Rizzo (21), B. Jackson (4), J. Soler 3 (20), D. Barney (16) SF: J. Soler
Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS
IP
H
R
ER
BB
SO
ERA
J. Samardzija
6.0
8
4
4
0
3
4.87
K. Fujikawa (W, 3-1)
1.0
0
0
0
0
0
2.49
H. Takahashi (H, 3)
1.0
0
0
0
0
0
8.06
C. Marmol (S, 15)
1.0
0
0
0
0
0
4.86
Pittsburgh Pirates
HITTERS
AB
R
H
BI
BB
SO
AVG
BATTING 3B: P. Alvarez (1) HR: G. Jones (14), T. Snider (7) RBI: G. Jones 2 (27), T. Snider (17), C. Barmes (15) SF: C. Barmes
Pittsburgh Pirates
PITCHERS
IP
H
R
ER
BB
SO
ERA
A. Burnett
7.0
7
3
3
1
6
4.41
T. Watson (L, 2-2)
0.0
3
3
3
1
0
4.05
D. Welker
0.2
1
0
0
1
0
0.00
J. Hughes
1.1
0
0
0
0
1
3.06
Bullpen Implodes as Cubs Use 3-Run 8th to Down Pirates 6-4
PITTSBURGH - Pedro Alvarez's 3-run blast in extra innings, gave the Pirates the victory in game one of this three game set. Looking to take the series in game two, the Pirates sent A.J. Burnett to the mound to oppose Jeff Samardzija in a rematch of their Opening Day battle.
The Cubs got to Burnett right away, as Darwin Barney singled with one out in the top of the 1st. David DeJesus then reached on a fielders choice, as Barney was called out at 2nd. Starlin Castro singled, following Anthony Rizzo reaching on a single deflected off of Pedro Alvarez. With the bases loaded, Jorge Soler singled, scoring DeJesus & Castro to give the Cubs a 2-0 lead.
In the top of the 2nd, Burnett walked Jeff Samardzija on four pitches, who would then score on a double from Darwin Barney who would be called out at 3rd, as he gave the Cubs a 3-0 lead. The Pirates would cut the deficit to 2 in the bottom of the 2nd, as a Garrett Jones single would score Alvarez after his triple, give the Cubs a 3-2 lead.
The Pirates threatened in the bottom of the 3rd, as Marte and McCutchen were on with two outs, each having singled. But Pedro Alvarez would ground out to end the inning. After a 1-2-3 inning from Burnett in the Top of the 4th, the Pirates offense again came alive, as Jones and Inge singled, with Jones scoring on a sac fly from Barmes to cut the score to 3-2.
In the bottom of the 5th, Travis Snider would homer, tying the game at 3.
As Burnett had settled in, mowing down the Cubs in order, Garrett Jones provided Burnett the opportunity to earn his 4th win, as he would hit a solo home run to give the Pirates a 4-3 lead.
As Burnett's pitch count was too high for him to continue, Hurdle turned to lefty Tony Watson for the 8th inning. Watson would allow singles to DeJesus, Castro, and Sappelt to load the bases with no outs. Watson then walked Anthony Rizzo, which scored DeJesus to tie the game at 4.
Duke Welker would be called upon to get Watson out of his jam, but was unable to prevail. His first batter faced was Jorge Soler, who he would get to hit into a sac fly, scoring Castro to give the Cubs a 5-4 lead. Navarro would single to again load the bases. Pinch hitter Brett Jackson walked on four pitches, scoring Sappelt to increase the Cubs lead to 2. Welker would get Barney to strike out to end the inning.
The Pirates couldn't muster any offense in the 8th, and then ran into Carlos Marmol in the 9th, who mowed them down in order to end the game and give the Cubs the victory.
Player of the Game:
The Pirates and Cubs meet tomorrow afternoon for the rubber game of the three game set, as Wandy Rodriguez opposes Scott Baker. First pitch, 12:35PM.
@ Pawtucket Red Sox - In a game that saw Gerrit Cole collect his 8th win of the season, allowing 1 run on 4 hits while striking out 5, as well as Brian Wilson collecting his first save in his AAA debut, the Indianapolis Indians got some bad news.
Jose Tabata, batting .187 with 2 home runs and 11 RBI's, suffered a fractured forearm. As Tabata will be out for 2-3 months, the Pirates have placed him on the 60-day DL. Darren Ford will take over the everyday RF duties.
PNC Park - Pittsburgh, PA Weather: 57º, Clear Attendance: 37,368
Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates
May 21, 2013
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Extras
R
H
E
Chicago (20-25)
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
4
12
2
Pittsburgh (28-18)
2
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
3
7
11
0
W: Mark Melancon (3-1) L: Michael Bowden (1-1) S: N/A
Chicago Cubs
HITTERS
AB
R
H
BI
BB
SO
AVG
BATTING 2B: N. Schierholtz (4), A. Rizzo 2 (11), D. Sappelt (2) HR: A. Rizzo (5) RBI: N. Schierholtz (3), A. Rizzo 3 (20)
FIELDING E: L. Valbuena 2 (4)
Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS
IP
H
R
ER
BB
SO
ERA
C. Villanueva
7.0
6
3
3
0
6
5.33
S. Camp (H, 4)
1.0
2
0
0
0
0
5.31
C. Marmol (BS, 4)
1.0
1
1
1
0
1
5.17
M. Bowden (L, 1-1)
0.1
2
3
2
0
0
4.56
Pittsburgh Pirates
HITTERS
AB
R
H
BI
BB
SO
AVG
BATTING 3B: J. Harrison (1) HR: A. McCutchen (12), P. Alvarez 2 (14) RBI: A. McCutchen (21), P. Alvarez 5 (38), J. Harrison (2) HBP: G. Jones SAC: S. Marte, R. Martin
BASERUNNING CS: S. Marte (6)
Pittsburgh Pirates
PITCHERS
IP
H
R
ER
BB
SO
ERA
F. Liriano
7.0
9
3
3
0
7
5.00
C. Leroux
1.0
2
1
1
0
0
4.67
T. Watson
1.0
1
0
0
0
1
2.03
M. Melancon (W, 3-1)
1.0
0
0
0
0
2
3.86
Clear the Deck! Alvarez's 3-Run Blast in 10th Sends Pirates to 7-4 Victory
PITTSBURGH - The Pirates, having just lost 2 of 3 against the Houston Astros, welcome a surging Chicago Cubs team to PNC Park for a three game set. With a packed house on hand, almost at full capacity, Francisco Liriano takes the mound for the Pirates, opposing Carlos Villanueva for the Cubs.
Liriano struggled right out of the gate, loading the bases in the top of the 1st, after singles from Barney, Sappelt, and Castro. Anthony Rizzo would hit a bloop chopper in front of Russell Martin, scoring Darwin Barney to give the Cubs a 1-0 lead.
After a Jorge Soler strike out, Nate Schierholtz would ground out, scoring Sappelt to put the Cubs up 2-0. Wellington Castillo would ground out to end the inning. But the Pirates would tie the game up at 2 in the bottom of the 1st, as Starling Marte singled and then scored on a 2-run home run from Pedro Alvarez.
In the bottom of the 3rd, Francisco Liriano led off with a single, looking to help his own cause. Marte would sacrifice to get Liriano to 2nd. But Liriano would be stranded, as Travis Snider grounded out, followed by Andrew McCutchen flying out to center. Liriano would get Darwin Barney to strike out with 2 outs in the top of the 4th to end the inning.
But the score would go into the Cubs favor in the top of the 5th, as Starlin Castro singled with one out, then scoring on an RBI double from Anthony Rizzo to give the Cubs a 3-2 lead.
The Cubs lead wouldn't last long, as Andrew McCutchen blasted a solo home run in the bottom of the 6th to tie the game at 3.
With Liriano being taken out in the top of the 8th, Hurdle turned to Chris Leroux out of the pen. Anthony Rizzo enjoyed the switch, as he belted a solo home run on the second pitch he saw from Leroux, putting the Cubs ahead 4-3.
In the bottom of the 8th, Starling Marte singled with 1 out. With McCutchen batting, Marte got caught stealing second to leave the bases empty. But McCutchen would hit a line drive, putting him on 1st with 2 outs. Pedro Alvarez singled, but Andrew McCutchen was called out at 3rd to end the inning.
Bottom of the 9th, Carlos Marmol pitching, first batter Garrett Jones would be hit by a pitch. Russell Martin would sacrifice Jones to 2nd, setting up an RBI triple from Josh Harrison to tie the game at 4.
Clint Barmes would strike out and Jerry Sands would ground out to end the threat and send the game to extras. After a scoreless top of the 10th by Mark Melancon, Michael Bowden would take over for Marmol. Travis Snider led off with a single, followed by Andrew McCutchen reaching on a throwing error by Luis Valbuena, that should’ve been an inning ending DP. With the error in mind, Pedro Alvarez stepped up to the plate and deliver; a 3-run walk-off home run to give the Pirates a 7-4 victory.
Player of the Game:
Alvarez gets the stare down in his post game interview from Liriano & McKenry
The Pirates and Cubs square off in game two of the series tomorrow night, as an Opening Day rematch pits A.J. Burnett against Jeff Samardzija. First pitch, 7:05PM.
- The Cubs head into PNC Park sitting 6.5 games out of first place.
- The Pirates are 3-4 on their current home stand, sitting 2 games ahead of the Reds for first place in the NL Central
- Cubs LF Alfonso Soriano was placed on the 15-day DL with a pulled calf
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