For the second consecutive series, the Pirates have been swept. Despite all three games being decided by less than two runs, the Pirates were unable to cash in on opportunities throughout this series. A.J. Burnett got the start for the Pirates, and suffered the loss. He pitched six innings and allowed two runs on six hits. He struck out eight and despite posting a decent, and quality start, did not get help from the offense giving him the loss. Jared Hughes threw a scoreless inning which featured an infield hit to Brandon Phillips. Tony Watson and Jason Grilli combined for a scoreless eighth inning.
Homer Bailey silenced the Pirates offense tonight and held them to only one run. Two hits were picked up by Andrew McCutchen and Gaby Sanchez had the only RBI, which came on a single. After a one out triple by Alex Presley in the sixth, the Pirates failed to bring him home as Clint Barmes was unable to to drop a bunt down on a suicide squeeze attempt, which resulted in Presley being cut down at the plate. Sam Lecure continued his fantastic success against the Pirates with a scoreless eighth and the Bucs could not get any runs against J.J. Hoover in the ninth, who picked up the first save of his career.
Six straight losses puts the Pirates only two games over .500. The Pirates open up a four game series in Chicago Friday.
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