Neil Walker hit a first inning three-run home run and Vance Worley continued a string of strong starts by Pirates pitching as the Bucs held off the Reds 3-2 on Saturday afternoon at PNC Park.
Walker came up with runners on first and second after Simon had trouble locating pitches to Andrew McCutchen in a five-pitch walk. Simon then threw a first-pitch fastball to the Pirates second basemen, who deposited the pitch into the right-center field seats for an early 3-0 lead.
“After he walked Cutch, I thought being aggressive was going to be something that I wanted to do,” said Walker. “Fortunately, it payed off in that situation. After that, I think we ticked him off after the first inning.”
The Pirates (71-64) were unable to do any more damage as Simon settled down after the homer allowing two hits and one walk over his final 6 2/3 innings of work while striking out seven.
Pirates starter Vance Worley was even more effective than Simon going 6 1/3 innings while allowing one earned run. That run came off the bat of Todd Frazier — a solo home run over the North Side Notch — for the Reds (65-71) first hit of the game in the fourth.
“I was able to keep the ball down in the zone to start the game,” said Worley. “The last few outings I was up in the zone, runs came in, I was working behind, and today it was just the matter of working the backside of the rubber and doing all of my work over the rubber before I went home and I was able to get the angle on the ball again.”
Worley also allowed an unearned run in the seventh. After retiring Brandon Phillips, Worley hit Devin Mesoraco and allowed a single to Brayan Pena. Justin Wilson then came in and struck out Jay Bruce. Zach Cozart followed with a pop fly to short right field. Ike Davis misplayed the fly allowing it to drop for an error and the Reds second run of the game. Wilson struck out Skip Schumaker to end the inning.
Worley continues a string of Pirates starters during this homestand to throw out quality starts. Starters have held opponents hitless through the first three innings in three of the last four games.
“You’re getting just workmen-like outings from these guys,” said manager Clint Hurdle. “It just makes everything work better. Your infielders are in play. The pace and the rhythm is good. There just wasn’t much room for error and we didn’t make too many.”
Tony Watson and Mark Melancon (Save #26) worked perfect innings to close things out.
Final Score: Pirates 3, Reds 2.
Starters Lines
Worley (W, 6-4): 6 1/3 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K’s, 1 HBP, 1 HR. 92 Pitches (58 Strikes).
Simon (L, 13-9): 7 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K’s, 1 HR. 96 Pitches (63 Strikes).
The Pirates will look for the sweep tomorrow afternoon.
Tomorrow’s Starters
(LHP) Francisco Liriano (PIT): 3-10, 3.98 ERA
(RHP) Johnny Cueto (CIN): 15-8, 2.26 ERA
First pitch is set for 1:35.
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(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
