A five-run fifth inning allowed the Pittsburgh Pirates to win in 5-3 comeback fashion against the Cleveland Indians Sunday afternoon.
The win was the 19th comeback win of the season and 14th series win.
Pedro Alvarez started the scoring with his 12th home run of the season, a two-run shot. This was his first homer at PNC Park since June 10th. The play also scored Jung Ho Kang who singled to lead off the inning.
“That swing right there and getting those two runs gave us a lift, there was no doubt about it,” manager Clint Hurdle said.
This was not the end of the inning however as Chris Stewart legged out a ground ball. Francisco Lindor made a diving stop and his throw on to Carlos Santana was initially ruled as an out however was overruled after it was challenged. Gerrit Cole then bunted Stewart into scoring position. A Josh Harrison single advanced Stewart an additional 90-feet. The game would be tied when Danny Salazar [7-4] allowed an RBI single to Neil Walker.
Walker’s hit came after a visit from Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway. Andrew McCutchen then hit the first pitch he saw off the bullpen fence to score both runners and place the Pirates in the lead.
“That’s a live fastball with big time finish and the change up was playing,” said Hurdle of Salazar. “It was very tough through four. That fifth inning came and we took advantage of it.”
Cole [12-3] allowed two runs in the second inning and one in the third.
Michael Bourn picked up where he left off in Friday’s game with a single that plated Carlos Santana. Bourn stole second base and advanced to third on a Stewart throwing error. He scored when Roberto Perez singled. Michael Brantley singled in Jason Kipnis an inning later.
“Once they got the lead it was like he had another gear,” Indians manager Terry Francona said.
Cole pitched eight innings and allowed the three runs on five hits. Cole threw 106 pitches, 69 for strikes and retired 16 consecutive Indians batters to end his outing.
“He just never gives in no matter what the score is,” Stewart said. “He knows if he gets down early that we have a good offense that can get back in the game.”
The right-handed pitcher is now 16-3 in his last 21 starts which is a major league best.
The Pirates will begin a three-game series against the San Diego Padres on Monday when James Shields [7-3 4.14 ERA] will face A.J. Burnett [7-3 2.05 ERA]. Burnett is 4-7 with a 4.38 ERA in 12 career starts against the Padres.
Of note: Starling Marte left Sunday’s game in the fourth inning with discomfort in his left side. He was replaced in the lineup by Gregory Polanco… Andrew McCutchen extended his hitting streak to 12 games which is the longest by a Pirate this season. McCutchen’s career-high hitting streak is 13 games.
He said it: “I don’t know, what happened. I said he didn’t his speed from me but maybe I got my speed from him.” – Chris Stewart on his legging out a single in the fifth inning and if his son Sebastian’s speed inspired him.
Photo courtesy: Duane Burleson/AP
