Pittsburgh Pirates Hold Off Dodgers In Heated Game To Even Series
Jul 22, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Neil Walker (18) hits an RBI double against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the third inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Gregory Polancostepped to the plate in the sixth with the bases loaded and the game tied.
Polanco sat out Monday’s game but made the most of his start Tuesday hitting a full-count offering fromJamey Wrightto the opposite field to score two runs and give the Pittsburgh Pirates a lead once again.
This kick started a four-run inning that proved to be the difference in the Pirates’ 12-7 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Pirates got off to a fast start againstJosh Beckettwho made his return from the disabled list. Beckett had a scoreless streak of 28 innings snapped whenNeil Walkerhit a 1-0 pitch over the Clemente Wall for his 15th home run of the season.
Two batters later,Ike Davismatched Walker by hitting a homer, his first since June 9 and his sixth of the season. Beckett would not make it out of the fourth inning.
Pedro Alvarezgot the start at third base, and in the third inning he committed his league leading 22nd error of the season, allowing Beckett to reach base. The Dodgers would make him and starterVance Worleypay, tying the game asAdrian GonzalezandMatt Kempeach brought runners home.
In the bottom of the inning, Polanco delivered with his first home run since June 2, a third solo shot that allowed the Pirates to retake the lead. Later in the inning, Walker would bring homeTravis Sniderwith a double down the left field line.
The score would remain 4-2 in the Pirates favor until the sixth. Alvarez had been removed from the game after the fourth inning after experiencing left knee discomfort and was replaced byJosh Harrison. Harrison made a throwing error which resulted in a second two-run inning for the Dodgers.A.J. Ellishad a single which brought homeCarl CrawfordandJuan Uribe.
Pirates managerClint Hurdleended Worley’s night after six innings and brought inJustin Wilson. Seeking retribution forAndrew McCutchenbeing hit by a pitch, Wilson plunkedJustin Turnerwith his second pitch of the night and was ejected. Both benches then were warned after the ejection and Hurdle would end up getting tossed as well.
Jared Hughescame for Wilson and the first batter he faced, Gonzalez, hit a home run to cut the Pirates lead to 8-6.Russell Martinstarted off the bottom of the seventh inning and was hit in the back with a Wright pitch. Fans booed the umpires after Wright was not ejected from the game and this continued for the rest of the inning.
Tony Watsonmade an eighth inning appearance and with one outScott Van Slykehit a home run to left field 397 feet deep to cut the Pirates lead to one. Watson avoided further damage keeping the lead.
Chris Perezquickly got the first out in the Pirates portion of the eighth inning, however he walked Polanco, Snider, McCutchen and Walker in succession to bring home a run. ManagerDon Mattinglythen removed Perez after this in favor ofBrandon League. Perez threw 25 pitches and 17 were balls.
League was greeted with singles from Martin and Davis that scored two runs and gave the Pirates the five-run margin they would win by afterErnesto Frierikept the Dodgers off of the scoreboard.
The series will conclude Wednesday whenDan Haren(8-7, 4.30 ERA) takes onFrancisco Liriano(1-7, 4.43 ERA). Away from Dodger Stadium, Haren has a 5.11 ERA and owns a 9.64 ERA in July.