Charlie Morton Back On Track, But Bullpen Implodes In Pittsburgh Pirates’ Loss
Jul 25, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher
Charlie Morton(50) delivers a pitch in the seventh inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Everything fell apart for the Pittsburgh Pirates in the eighth inning Tuesday night, as the Miami Marlins plated five runs against three Bucs relievers to rally for a 6-3 victory at PNC Park.
After Pirates starting pitcherCharlie Mortongot back on track with a strong seven-inning performance,Justin Wilsonwalked in a pair of runs andJeanmar Gomezallowed three more to cross the plate, dooming Pittsburgh (59-53) to its second consecutive loss.
Jared Hugheshad his share of the blame in the Pirates’ 18th blown save of the season, a total that is tied for the major-league lead with the Rockies. The right-hander retiredJordany Valdespinto open the top of the eighth, but he walked the dangerousGiancarlo Stantonto start the Miami comeback.
Still, it looked like Hughes had the situation under control whenCasey McGeheetapped a soft grounder to the left side. But third basemanJosh Harrisoncouldn’t field it cleanly, an error that pushed Pirates managerClint Hurdleout of the dugout to make a pitching change.
With the leftyGarrett Jonesup next, Hurdle turned to southpaw Wilson, who ended up facing pinch-hitterJeff Bakerinstead. Baker singled to load the bases, then Wilson completely lost his control, walkingMarcell OzunaandJarrod Saltalamacchiaback-to-back to put the Marlins (55-57) ahead for the first time.
Gomez didn’t fare much better, withAdeiny Hechavarriasingling in a run andReed Johnsonbringing home another with a fielder’s choice grounder that was too softly hit for the Pirates to turn a double play.Christian Yelichmade it a four-run lead one batter later, slugging a double over left fielderTravis Snider‘s head.
Pittsburgh got a run back in the ninth onChris Stewart‘s RBI single that scoredGregory Polanco, but Snider took strike three from Marlins relieverChris Hatcherto end the game. The Pirates’ second loss in a row dropped them two games behind the National League Central-leading Brewers and one back of the second-place Cardinals.
Tuesday’s game was a pitcher’s duel through six innings, with Morton and Miami starterBrad Handallowing just a run apiece to that point. Each gave up six hits, although Morton lasted through seven while lefty Hand was pulled with one out in the seventh.Gregory Polancochased him with an RBI hit to left field that platedNeil Walker, who had walked to start the frame.
A.J. Ramoscleaned up the damage for the Marlins, which proved huge in the next half inning. Morton, who navigated four walks with the help of two double plays, had to settle for a good outing in defeat. He had struggled in his past two starts, which led to losses in Colorado and San Francisco.
Starling Martemade his return to the Pirates lineup after a stint on the disabled list with a concussion; he took the place of the injuredAndrew McCutchen(broken rib) in center field, going 1 for 4 in the leadoff spot.Jordy Mercerand Stewart had two hits and an RBI each.
Former Pirate Jones reached base all three times he came up, impressing in his first game at PNC Park as a visitor.
The Pirates challenge the Marlins again Wednesday night in the middle game of the series.Jeff Lockeis scheduled to opposeTom Koehlerat 7:05 p.m.