Porcello Cruises, Tigers Down Pirates In Series Finale

by Zane Heiple

AP

Once again Paul Maholm pitched well enough to win, but his offense was unable to give him any run support in a 2-0 loss to the Detroit Tigers.  Maholm left the game after 5.1 innings allowing two runs on six hits with five strikeouts and two walks.  His counterpart, Rick Porcello, would pick up his fourth win of the year after pitching eight innings allowing one hit with three strikeouts and two walks.

Detroit would first score in the second inning on a Casper Wells single to right field that scored Victor Martinez.  They would bring another run around in the fourth when Jhonny Peralta would hit his seventh home run of the year.

The story of the year has been the Pirates lack of run support when Maholm is on the hill.  They would only have two hits on the day and left four men in scoring position including two in the bottom of the ninth with two outs.  Ronny Cedeno and Xavier Paul were the two Buccos that accounted for the hits.  Todays loss dropped Maholm’s record to 1-7.

On a side note, third baseman Pedro Alvarez was placed on the 15 day disabled list yesterday, and Pedro Ciraco was called up from AAA Indianaplis to take his place on the 25 man roster.  Pittsburgh will have tomorrow off, before finishing up this home stand with a short two game series with the Atlanta Braves.

Record vs. Tigers:  2-1
Record vs. A.L. Central:  2-1
Record at PNC Park:  9-12
Overall Record 22-24

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!