Doumit's Grand Slam Helps Pirates Win Game, Take Series From Padres

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: AP

The Pittsburgh Pirates had the chance to win their fifth road series of the season tonight with a victory against the San Diego Padres.  After letting a close one slip away last night due to unforced errors and mental mistakes on both sides of the ball, the Buccos sent starter, and former Padre, Kevin Correia to the mound in hopes of locking up the series. 

That’s exactly what happened tonight, as a strong start from Kevin and a huge third inning offensively helped the Pirates win the game against the Padres tonight at PetCo Park, 7-4.

Correia pitched well tonight, but he didn’t necessarily have to after the third inning.  The Pirates’ offense, often stagnant this season, exploded tonight, burying the Padres early.  After gaining a 1-0 lead in the second inning, the Bucs blew the game wide open the very next inning. 

Neil Walker smacked a two-run single to center, scoring Andrew McCutchen and Xavier Paul.  Two batters later with the bases loaded, Ryan Doumit walked to the plate and hammered a 3-2 pitch over the left field wall for the grand slam.  It was the third G.S. of Doumit’s career, and extended the Pirates’ lead to a dominant 7-0.

As for Correia, he gave up two runs on five hits through six innings of work.  He struck out three and walked two, earning his fifth victory of the season.  His ERA sits at 2.91. 

Chris Resop and Daniel McCutchen did a superb job in relief, each pitching an inning of shutout baseball.

Unfortunately, as we, Bucco fans, have become accustomed to over the years, nothing ever seems to happen smoothly.  Jose Veras, who has been one of the more impressive relievers for the Pirates thus far, struggled mightily tonight in the ninth inning, giving up two solo homeruns and walking one batter.  After the Padres cut the lead to 7-4, Veras was able to get the final out, clinching the victory for the Bucs.

Wow, what a huge game for the Pirates.  This puts a cap on yet another successful road trip, as they finish up their west-coast trek with a 4-2 mark.  Doumit was the star of the day with two hits, including the grand slam, while Matt Diaz  had a pair of hits as well.  In all, the Pirates had eight hits, and took advantage of two costly third inning errors by San Diego.

This was an impressive victory for the Pirates.  The offense tallied seven runs on a day when Lyle Overbay, Pedro Alvarez, Jose Tabata, and Chris Snyder were out of the lineup.  They got an early lead once again for the ninth straight game, a strong starting pitching performance, and the bullpen, although not as clean tonight as usual, still did enough to keep the lead and secure the victory.

The Pirates fly home tonight to Pittsburgh and will enjoy a much-deserved day off tomorrow.  Their third home stand of the season kicks off this weekend with a three-game set against N.L. Central foes the Houston Astros, followed by a four-game stand against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Record Vs. Padres: 2-1

Record Vs. N.L. West: 6-7

Record On The Road: 11-8

Overall Record: 15-16

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!