Pirates' Offense Struggles, Lose To Indians 5-1 In Series Opener

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: Jason Miller/Getty Images

The Pirates once again struggled to score runs tonight, and the result was a 5-1 loss at the hands of the Cleveland Indians in the opening game of a three-game series at Progressive Field.


Kevin Correia took the loss tonight, giving up just two runs on four hits through 5.2 innings. One run was given up by Correia’s balk in the third inning, which allowed Asdrubal Cabrera to score to give the Indians an early 1-0 lead. Carlos Santana added to the lead in the fourth inning with a solo homerun to deep right field. The Indians occupied a 2-0 lead as the fourth frame drew to a close.

The Pirates climbed back into the game in the sixth inning. After a Ronny Cedeno double, Xavier Paul smacked an RBI single to shallow right field, allowing Cedeno to score, but Paul was thrown out at second base trying to stretch a single into a double. Still, the Buccos had climbed back into the game, and trailed by only a single run as the inning came to a close.

Both bullpens did a satisfactory job keeping their respective teams in the game…that is, until the eighth inning. Reliever Daniel Moskos gave up three runs on three hits without recording a single out. The Indians took a commanding 5-1 lead into the final inning, in which the Pirates were unable to muster any type of a comeback. The Indians’ Tony Sipp closed out the game for the Tribe in the ninth, and the Buccos dropped the first game of the series tonight.

This was a game in which the offense simply couldn’t score runs. Correia, while not a shutdown performance, did well enough to earn a victory tonight. The offense managed only six hits total throughout the night. Garrett Jones led the way with two hits, while Paul, Neil Walker, Cedeno, and Josh Harrison added a hit a piece. Andrew McCutchen was held without a hit, dropping his average to .286 for the season.

The Pirates will try to even the series tomorrow night at Progressive Field against the Indians. Paul Maholm will make the start for the Buccos, who will look to stay above .500 in the second of this threel-game set against the Tribe.

Record Vs. Indians: 0-1
Record Vs. A.L. Central: 2-2
Record On The Road: 20-16
Overall Record: 35-34

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!