Pirates Lose In Extra Innings, Swept By Indians

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: David Maxwell/Getty Images

For the third straight day, the Pirates were out-pitched and out-hit by the Cleveland Indians, and the result was a 5-2 loss and a series sweep at the hands of the team from the Mistake By The Lake (to quote our very own Zane Heiple).

The Buccos, despite tallying 11 hits on the day, scored just twice, while leaving 14 runners on base.  While they were unable to muster any type of offense in the first two games of the series, the Pirates got runners on base in every inning but the fourth, but still were only able to push a pair of runners across home plate.

Both runs came in the first inning.  Neil Walker singled home Xavier Paul, while Matt Diaz’s fielder’s choice scored Walker.  The Pirates took 2-0 lead into the second inning, but unfortunately for them, it was the last run they would score on the afternoon.

The loss certainly can’t be blamed on Jeff Karstens.  The Pirates’ right-hander delivered yet another impressive performance, giving up two runs (one earned) on five hits through seven hits, while walking two and striking out four.  While recording a no-decision today, he continued to improve his personal statistics, with his WHIP sitting at 1.08 and his ERA lowered to 2.54 for the season.

After a two-hour rain delay and eight innings of shutout baseball between the two teams, Cord Phelps of the Indians hammered a three-run homerun in the bottom of the 11^th, giving the Tribe the win and the series sweep of the Pirates.  Tim Wood gave up the long-ball, taking his first loss of the season. 

After a tremendous showing in Houston by sweeping the Astros, the Pirates followed that up with a dismal series this weekend in Cleveland.  The Indians’ pitching staff was beyond impressive, but there is no excuse for the lack of offensive production from Pittsburgh.  The Buccos were outscored in this series 15-4 in front of a number of fans who made the two + hour trip to Cleveland for the weekend. 

The Pirates now sit at 35-36, one game under that elusive .500 mark.  A very difficult homestand awaits Pittsburgh, as they welcome in the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox for a pair of three-game series at PNC Park.  Hopefully the Pirates can forget about this past weekend on their short plane ride home to Pittsburgh tonight, and get back to playing better baseball tomorrow night against the Orioles.

Record Vs. Indians: 0-3

Record Vs. A.L. Central: 2-4

Record On The Road: 20-18

Overall Record: 35-36