Pittsburgh– Russell Martin worked a bases loaded walk in the twelfth inning as the Pirates played walk-off to salvage a game from the Reds 4-3.
Jeff Locke played the role of stopper for the Pirates (35-37) as he allowed two runs on three hits in six strong innings of work.
The Reds (35-36) got a run in the first when Billy Hamilton again hurt the Bucs with a leadoff double. He then stole third and scored on a sacrifice fly. They did the same in the fourth when Joey Votto started the inning with a double and scored after two fly outs to center field.
It was the only damage done against Locke as he only allowed one other hit — a Todd Frazier single, who was thrown out trying to stretch the play into a double off of the arm of Marte.
“Another efficient outing,” said manager Clint Hurdle. “They had three hits and four baserunners in six innings. That’s a very effective outing.”
Reds starter Homer Bailey was even more effective retiring the first nine Pirates in order before allowing a lead off single to Gregory Polanco — who extended his Major League career beginning hit streak to nine games, breaking a Pirates franchise record.
“He’s amazing,” said Martin. “He’s got a really professional approach. Not typical for a young player like that. He’s got good judgement of the strike zone , has a plan up there and finds a way to get on base. I expect him to do great things for a long time.”
Things fell apart for Bailey in the fifth when Clint Barmes and Chris Stewart both singled to start off the inning. Jeff Locke then bunted into a force out at second putting runners on the corners. Bailey then balked allowing the first run to score. Gregory Polanco, Starling Marte and Andrew McCutchen followed with singles to give the Pirates the lead.
A rain delay of 35 minutes forced Locke from the game after six solid innings and the trio of Tony Watson, Mark Melancon worked scoreless innings, but Jason Grilli blew another save by giving up a Devin Mesoraco solo homer with one out in the ninth.
The Pirates walked-off in the twelfth when Gaby Sanchez singled with one out and advanced to second on a balk by Tony Cingrani. The Reds then chose to intentionally walk Josh Harrison. After a Polanco pop out to short, Cingrani hit Clint Barmes than walked Martin to bring in the winning run. Patience was the name of the game in the twelfth.
“We wanted to be patiently aggressive in the strike zone,” said Hurdle. “We were able to take advantage of some situations. The kid out there started spraying a little bit, so we wanted to maintain discipline. If we had something to hit, we were going to attack it and if not, then we were going to make him work.”
Final Score: Pirates 4, Reds 3.
Starters Lines
Locke (ND): 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K’s. 83 Pitches (56 Strikes).
Bailey (ND): 5 2/3 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K’s, 1 Balk. 92 Pitches (64 Strikes).
The Pirates will now travel to Chicago for a three-game set against the Cubs.
Tomorrow’s Starters
(RHP) Charlie Morton (PIT): 4-7, 3.09 ERA
(RHP) Edwin Jackson (CHC): 4-7, 5.11 ERA
First pitch is set for 4:05.
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(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
