The Pittsburgh Pirates have begun its nine game road trip with a series win after a 2-1 victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Pirates have now won four consecutive games.
A.J. Burnett had his fourth consecutive quality start throwing seven innings allowing five hits, one run, two walks and four strikeouts on 88 pitches, 54 of which were strikes. This is the longest outing for Burnett in 2015 and the first time he has pitched seven innings since Sept. 6 of last season.
The Diamondbacks struck first in the game with a Tuffy Gosewisch single on a line drive to right field. Burnett got the first two outs in the inning, however Chris Owings singled and then stole his third base of the season before scoring on the single. The Diamondbacks had three stolen bases in this game.
In the fourth inning, the Pirates countered. Neil Walker extended his hitting streak to eight games with his sixth double of the season. With two outs, Pedro Alvarez hit a double of his own to right field tying the game.
Rubby De La Rosa matched Burnett pitch for pitch with seven innings of his own. He allowed four hits, one run and struck out eight batters throwing 98 pitches, 67 for strikes.
Tony Watson [1-1] pitched the eighth inning and allowed two singles to start his outing. Paul Goldschmidt grounded out in a play that worked as if it were a sacrifice bunt. Pitching coach Ray Searage then paid his reliever a visit which was followed by a foul out from Mark Trumbo and a strikeout of Aaron Hill. This resulted Francisco Cervelli repeatedly pumping his fist back to the dugout.
Addison Reed [0-1], the Diamondbacks closer worked the top of the ninth for the Pirates. Reed got the first two outs before Walker hit his second double of the game splitting the left and center fielder. The next batter, Starling Marte hit an end of the bat single past the shortstop scoring Walker and putting the Pirates in front.
Mark Melancon pitched for the third consecutive day and earned his fifth save of the season. Since blowing a save Apr. 21 against the Chicago Cubs, Melancon has pitched three innings and allowed one hit.
Sunday is the series finale between the two teams and Francisco Liriano [0-1 3.00 ERA] will face Jeremy Hellickson [1-2 4.58 ERA]. Liriano is 0-0 with a 3.00 ERA in two career starts against the Diamondbacks. Hellickson will be making his first career start against the Pirates. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m.
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports
