Indians Take Series With Win Over Pirates

by Zane Heiple

Photo by Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Pirates have struggled with Interleague play in past years, add that to a lack of offense when Paul Maholm takes the hill for the Pirates, and it is easy to see how the Buccos dropped tonight’s game to the Cleveland Indians 5-1.

Maholm didn’t have his best start of the year tonight going 6.1 innings allowing four runs seven hits, while striking out three and walking two.  With the offense only able to muster one run, Cleveland put the game away when they scored their second run of the game in the bottom of the second inning. 

Cleveland starter Carlos Carrasco carried a no hitter into the sixth inning while giving up only four hits in 6.1 innings.  He also struck out four and walked one batter.  The Indians bullpen closed the door for Carrasco, as they pitched 2.2 innings of no hit baseball.

The only run the Pirates could muster on the night came in the seventh inning when Lyle Overbay would bring in Garrett Jones from third on a single to right field.  This brought the Pirates to only a two run deficit.  The Tribe however would counter in the bottom part of the inning to shut down any chance for the Pirates to comeback.

Tonight was another tough loss and marked the sixth time in the last ten games that the Pirates have scored one run or less.  The Buccos will send Jeff Karstens to the bump, hopefully to salvage a game in this series and give the Buccos another winning road trip before returning to PNC Park.

Record vs. Indians:  0-2
Record vs. A.L. Central:  2-3
Record on the Road:  20-17
Overall Record 35-35

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!