A.J. Burnett registered another quality start and the Bucco bats knocked four balls out of the park in a 9-2 win over the Indians.
Burnett only allowed two runs, both solo homers, over 6 2/3 innings. It wasn't a dominant performance but A.J. did what he needed to do to keep the Bucs in front. He allowed the first two batters to reach in the sixth before getting two outs. He would walk the next batter to load the bases but get out of the inning by getting Shelly Duncan to pop out. He would get into trouble again in the seventh by allowing two on with two out. Jared Hughes would come in to get the final out and end any chance at an Indian comeback. Hughes would pitch the seventh and Doug Slaten would pitch a perfect ninth.
The offense continues to put up good numbers by putting a nine spot on the board. Six of the runs came by way of the long ball. Pedro Alvarez got the scoring started with a solo shot in the second. He would add a 2-run homer in the ninth for his first 2-homer game since 2010. Casey McGehee hit a 2-run shot in the sixth to continue his hot streak. He ended with 4 RBI's total on the day. Alex Presley would also add a solo shot in the seventh. The Buccos knocked out twelve hits on the day, eight singles and four homers. They also walked eight times, that's right, eight times.
It was a very good way to snap out of a losing streak. Some players also seemed to snap out of their hitting woes as well which will hopefully transfer to a more complete offensive battery that can help us stay in this race.
Starters Lines
Burnett: (W, 7-2) 6 2/3 IN, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB 2 K's
Jimenez: (L, 6-5) 6 IN, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 6 K's
Turning Point
Burnett getting out of the sixth - With the Bucs ahead by two Burnett got into some trouble after allowing first and second with no out. He would get the next two to fly out before allowing Johnny Damon's 1000 walk to load them up. After a mound meeting with Ray Searage Burnett would get Duncan to pop out to end the threat. The Pirates would get insurance the next inning with an Alex Presley homer and the Pirates would not look back.
Stud/Dud of the Game
Stud: Pedro Alvarez - 2-4, a walk, 2 Homers, 3 RBI's, and 2 runs scored
Dud: Clint Barmes - 0-4, a walk, 3 strikeouts, 3 LOB
Final Thoughts
-- Burnett's win gives him six in a row. The first time since a pitcher by the name of Doug Drabek did it in 1990. (Via @ESPNStatsInfo) That was the season the Bucs won the first of their three NL East Titles.
-- The Reds won their fifth in a row which keeps the Pirates out of first by four games.
-- Since the 12 run blowup in St. Louis, A.J. Burnett has only allowed 13 ER over his last 53 1/3 innings (8 games). The Pirates won each of those games.
This Day in '92
W vs. PHI 6-5
Mike LaValliere sent a single into right field to walk-off with a victory in the 12th inning over the Phillies.
Spanky went 2-5 with 2 RBI's and a walk. Jay Bell went 2-5 with a double, homer, RBI, run, and walk.
Andy Van Slyke went 3-5 with 2 singles, a homer, a walk, RBI, and 2 runs.
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