In the second half opener, the Pittsburgh Pirates (50-46) defeated the Colorado Rockies (40-56) in a 4-2 decision in front of a sell-out crowd at PNC Park on Friday night.
Francisco Liriano (1-7) recorded a no decision, leaving after five innings. The first two were very shaky, but he allowed just one unearned run on three hits and three walks, striking out eight and managing to avoid any big trouble despite all the baserunners. Jared Hughes also allowed an unearned run when he came in for the top of the sixth, falling victim to another throwing error by third baseman Pedro Alvarez, who leads the league with 21 miscues.
Justin Wilson and Jordy Mercer also had fielding errors, the latter of which allowed a 1-0 Colorado lead in the second inning. Pittsburgh tied the game in the fifth when Starling Marte tripled to left, scoring Gregory Polanco. A misplay by left fielder Corey Dickerson nearly allowed Marte to have an inside-the-park home run, but he was thrown out on the relay to end the inning.
Down 2-1 entering the seventh, the Pirates took advantage of the exit of starter Jorge De La Rosa, scoring the tying run off relievers Rex Brothers and Adam Ottavino. With the bases loaded, Ottavino hit Marte with a pitch in the head, dropping the young outfielder to the dirt. After a few tense moments, he was able to get up and take his base. Jordy Mercer scored and the game was tied when All-Star lefty reliever Tony Watson entered the game for the eighth.
Watson (6-1) would pitch a scoreless frame and ended up with the win as the Pirates plated two off Rockies reliever Matt Belisle (2-5), who allowed three hits and only got one out. Travis Snider’s RBI double scored Neil Walker and Gaby Sanchez scored on a Josh Harrison sacrifice fly after Walker and Sanchez led off the inning with singles.
Mark Melancon notched his 17th save and secured the team’s 50th win of the season. They remain 3.5 games back of division-leading Milwaukee, as the Brewers won in Washington. The series continues at PNC Park Saturday evening at 7:05, as Brett Anderson (0-3) takes on Charlie Morton (5-9). The Pirates will attempt to improve on a strong 30-20 mark at home.
