Pirates Rally For Five in the Eighth, Beat Diamondbacks 8-5

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

After winning the weekend series over the Philadelphia Phillies, the Pirates looked to continue their recent home success against the Arizona Diamondbacks, who came into town for a three game series. 

Despite a sluggish performance from Kevin Correia, the Pirates’ offense exploded late in the game, and the Bucs took game one of the series tonight by a final score of 8-5 at PNC Park.

Coming into the game with a 3.40 ERA and looking to win his Major-League leading ninth game, Correia lasted just five innings, giving up four runs on eight hits while walking two batters. 

Kelly Johnson hit a solo homerun off Kevin in the first inning, and Juan Miranda smacked another solo shot in the fifth.  Johnson then followed that up later in the inning with a two-run single, scoring Daniel Hudson and Ryan Roberts.  The Diamondbacks had the lead at that point, 4-3.

The Pirates’ bullpen did a phenomenal job down the stretch, limiting Arizona’s offense and keeping them within rallying distance.  Other than a solo homerun by Chris Young, the Diamondbacks were held scoreless by the likes of Daniel Moskos, Evan Meek, and Chris Resop.

The Buccos’ offense got on the board in the second inning, as Chris Snyder hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Andrew McCutchen from third base.  Ronny Cedeno slapped an RBI single, scoring Lyle Overbay.  Cutch would score again in the fourth inning.  After a leadoff double by the Pirates’ centerfielder, Overbay and Snyder scored him on back-to-back sacrifice fly balls.

The game-changer, though, came in the eighth inning.  Trailing by two runs, the Pirates scored five in the frame, taking the lead for good.  Garrett Jones led off with a pinch-hit double, and scoring on Jose Tabata’s RBI double.  Josh Harrison smacked an RBI single, scoring Tabata and tying the game, 5-5.  Xavier Paul then bunted his way on, and McCutchen walked on four pitches to load the bases with no outs.  On a 3-1 count, Lyle Overbay hammered a David Hernandez fastball into the gap, clearing the bases and giving the Bucs an 8-5 lead.

Joel Hanrahan set the Diamondbacks down in order, earning his 15^th save of the season, and putting the Pirates just one game under that elusive .500 mark.

It was a great sign to see the offense explode.  This was a huge inning from an offense that has struggled for a large part of the season.  Overbay, of course, had the big hit, but the entire lineup was responsible for the victory tonight.  Cutch was on base three times, while Chris Snyder contributed with three sacrifices and two RBI’s of his own.  Ronny Cedeno was the only Bucco to tally a multi-hit game tonight, and the Pirates made every one of their seven hits count tonight, leaving only three runners on base for the game.

Despite the come-from-behind victory, Correia’s performance was a bit discouraging.  Still, the team was able to get a win when our starting pitcher wasn’t throwing his best.  Good teams win these types of games, and that’s exactly what the Pirates did tonight.

The Buccos will look to clinch the series against the Diamondbacks tomorrow evening as they take on their former teammate, Zach Duke.  Paul Maholm will get the start for Pittsburgh.  First pitch is set for 7:05pm.

Record Vs. Diamondbacks: 1-0

Record Vs. N.L. West: 8-9

Record At Home: 12-15

Overall Record: 29-30

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!