After barely any offense Saturday night, the Pirates broke out this afternoon and had eighteen hits.
A solid game pitched by A.J. Burnett also helped the five game losing streak come to an end. Burnett pitched eight very good innings, while striking out eleven, and allowing one run. He hadn’t had a win in over a month, and his outing today was very impressive and one of the better ones of the second half. Chad Qualls pitched a hitless ninth to close the game out.
A productive fifth inning put four up on the board for the Bucs. While there were no extra base hits, RBIs were collected by Gaby Sanchez, on a hit by pitch, and Jose Tabata on a walk. Clint Barmes and Rod Barajas each had RBI singles as well.
Every starter, besides Travis Snider, had at least one hit. Josh Harrison led the way with four hits. Alex Presley, Andrew McCutchen, Gaby Sanchez, Clint Barmes and Rod Barajas all had two hits and A.J. Burnett even helped himself out with a two-run single.
Solid win all around for the Pirates today. In order to reach .500, the team will have to win seven of its last eleven games.
Photo Credits: Associated Press
