Jeff Locke went seven strong innings and the bullpen did it’s job as the Pirates defeated the Marlins 7-3 on Wednesday night.
Locke had a rough start to his night against the Marlins (55-58) allowing a run on three hits in the first capped by a Jeff Baker RBI infield single and two more runs in the second on a Christian Yelich 2-run home run. From there, Locke shut things down allowing one hit over his final five innings of work while striking out four. Locke retired the final 13 batters he faced.
“I think I was a little out of a groove early on, tough to settle in,” said Locke. “I think everyone in the big leagues is capable running of 13 in a row any night. Once everyone settles in, once you get comfortable. You see what works for them. Russell and I are on the same page. We had pretty decent command.”
The game then turned to the Pirates bullpen –who gave up a one run lead last night– where Tony Watson and Mark Melancon worked a scoreless inning each to secure the victory.
The Pirates (60-53) answered Miami’s first inning run with four of their own. Josh Harrison led the game off with a double. Gregory Polanco and Russell Martin followed with walks and Ike Davis started the scoring with a 2-RBI book-rule double to the North Side Notch. Travis Snider and Jordy Mercer also recorded RBI in the inning.
“It always plays better when you can put up crooked numbers,” said manager Clint Hurdle.” We had good at bats from start to finish in the first. Guys hit the ball that was pitched. We had some good looks. We capitalized on the two walks.”
The Pirates added insurance with two out in the seventh. With runners on first and second, Martin singled to left-center. Gaby Sanchez then came up and hit a pinch-hit 2-RBI double after holding off a check swing on a close 2-2 pitch.
Final Score: Pirates 7, Marlins 3.
Starters Lines
Locke (W, 3-3): 7 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 7 K’s, 1 HR. 100 Pitches (69 Strikes).
Koehler (L, 7-9): 6 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 4 K”s. 99 Pitches (61 Strikes).
The Pirates will look to take the series tomorrow evening in the rubber match of this three-game set.
Tomorrow’s Starters
(RHP) Edinson Volquez (PIT): 8-7, 3.91 ERA
(LHP) Bryan Flynn (MIA): 0-0, 6.00 ERA
First pitch is set for 7:05.
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(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
