The Braves scored six times in the first inning off of Vance Worley as they cruised past the Pirates 7-3 on Monday night.
Worley experienced pitch issues at the start allowing lead-off back-to-back home runs from Jason Heyward and Andrelton Simmons. Worley then allowed a walk and three singles to put the Braves quickly up 4-0. The Braves (65-60) added two more in the inning when Neil Walker threw wide of first base on an inning-ending double play attempt.
“The first inning, my pitches were east-west,” said Worley. “I was just missing on my pitches and they were staying flat. After the first, I was able to figure it out and it clicked and I was able to drive the ball down in the zone and get the results that I needed.”
Worley indeed settled down after the first allowing four hits over his final five innings of work while striking out eight batters, but the damage was done as the Pirates (64-61) were unable to produce offense at the correct times to get back into the game.
Starling Marte hit two home runs in the game and Neil Walker added a solo homer that cleared the Clemente seats and one-hopped the river. They did have the tying run at the plate trailing 6-3 in the sixth. With runners on second and third with no out, Brent Morel struck out. Ike Davis followed with a liner to third that resulted in an inning-ending double play.
“We scratched back,” said manager Clint Hurdle. “Big night from Marte, big night from Walker. We were fighting back. The hole was deep and we put ourselves in a position where we needed one more big swing.”
— Pedro Alvarez made his official debut at first base going 0-for-4 on the night with one strikeout. Only two balls were hit in his direction — an infield single and a pop out — and he recorded seven putouts.
“It felt new,” said Alvarez. “Obviously, being the first time out there. It takes some getting used to. It’s a different angle and different point of view and different responsibilities that come with the position.”
Final Score: Braves 7, Pirates 3.
Starters Lines
Worley (L, 5-3): 6 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 8 K’s, 2 HR. 98 Pitches (66 Strikes).
Santana (W, 13-6): 5 1/3 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K’s, 1 WP, 3 HR. 88 Pitches (55 Strikes).
The Pirates will look to rebound tomorrow night.
Tomorrow’s Starters
(LHP) Francisco Liriano (PIT): 3-9, 3.78 ERA
(RHP) Aaron Harang (ATL): 9-7, 3.51 ERA
First pitch is set for 7:05.
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(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
