Tony Watson’s struggles continued Sunday afternoon and his two runs allowed in the eighth inning cost the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 5-4 loss to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
The runs came from a familiar source in Albert Pujols’ bat. Pujols tormented Pirates fans for years with his power and with this homer, he now has 30 for his career at PNC Park.
Watson (1-2) has been known as one of the best and consistent set-up men in baseball but has now given up at least one run in his last three appearances. His ERA now sits at 4.50.
As a result of Pujols’ home run, Deolis Guerra (1-0) earned his first career win as an Angel.
Guerra pitched for the Pirates last season and initially was selected in the Rule-5 Draft. He was designated for assignment earlier in the season and elected free agency where he once again signed with the Angels. After some ups and downs, Guerra pitched 1.2 shutout innings with three strikeouts.
After a Pujols sacrifice fly put the Angels in the lead, Starling Marte singled in the first inning to tie the game.
The Pirates then put together a three-run second inning as Angels starting pitcher Hector Santiago struggled with control.
Gregory Polanco walked with the bases loaded, Jung Ho Kang was hit by a pitch and Josh Harrison singled placing the Pirates in the lead at 4-1.
Gerrit Cole appeared to be settling in retiring eight consecutive Angels batters when Rafael Ortega singled with one out in the seventh inning.
After a pop out, pinch hitter C.J. Cron doubled on an 0-1 pitch and after a mound visit, Gregorio Petit also doubled cutting the Pirates lead to one run. This removed Cole from the game.
The Pirates appeared to be set for the win with Watson on the mound as i,t was a one-run game and in a set-up role.
It was a back-and-forth game, and the Pirates have been in this spot before but Sunday it did not pay off.
Kole Calhoun singled on an 0-1 pitch and after Mike Trout popped out, Pujols took an 0-2 pitch over the left-centerfield wall for a home run.
The Pirates had a chance to tie or win the game with Huston Street in for a save opportunity. Polanco was walked, Kang doubled and Marte was intentionally walked loading the bases with one out.
Instead Sean Rodriguez went first-pitch swinging and grounded into a game-ending double play.
Up next
The New York Mets come to PNC Park for a three-game series as Neil Walker returns to Pittsburgh and plays his former team. In Game 1, former Met Jonathon Niese (5-2, 4.36 ERA) faces Steven Matz (7-1, 2.60 ERA). This is Niese’s first career start against the Mets.
